In an NFL where players are often defined by luxury lifestyles, designer wardrobes, and million-dollar collections, Mack Hollins has become famous for something entirely different.
His habits.
They’re unconventional.
Sometimes they’re hilarious.
Occasionally they’re difficult to believe.
And they’re completely, unapologetically his own.
The newest New England Patriots wide receiver has never tried to fit the mold of a modern NFL superstar. Instead, Hollins has embraced a lifestyle so unique that teammates, fans, and even opposing players can’t help but laugh—and admire the discipline behind it.
Perhaps the most surprising revelation came when Hollins explained why he refuses to watch television.
“TV makes you soft.”
So what does he watch instead?
Anime.
That’s it.
No binge-watching popular dramas.
No endless sports talk shows.
No reality television.
No late-night sitcoms.
If Mack Hollins turns on a screen, chances are it’s to watch anime.
For many NFL fans, that single sentence was enough to spark thousands of reactions online.
But as people quickly discovered, that’s only the beginning.
Living Life on His Own Terms
Professional athletes often speak about discipline.
Few actually organize their entire lives around it.
Hollins appears to.
Over the years, he has become almost legendary for habits that sound fictional until teammates confirm them.
He reportedly avoids elevators whenever possible.
Instead, he’ll gladly take the stairs—even inside massive NFL stadiums or hotels.
Some see it as unnecessary.
Hollins sees another opportunity to move.
Another chance to stay active.
Another way to avoid becoming comfortable.
It’s not about making headlines.
It’s simply how he chooses to live.
No Car? No Problem.
One of the strangest stories surrounding Hollins involves transportation.
Despite earning millions during his NFL career, he has famously gone long stretches without owning a personal car.
To many people, that sounds impossible.
How does an NFL player get around?
Ride-sharing.
Walking.
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Friends.
Whatever works.
Material possessions have never appeared particularly important to him.
For Hollins, convenience has never been the goal.
Freedom has.
The Hair That Became Part of His Identity
Another longtime curiosity among fans has been his hair.
Hollins has spoken openly over the years about rarely cutting it.
While teammates regularly change hairstyles throughout the season, Hollins has largely allowed his own to grow naturally.
Again, there isn’t some elaborate explanation.
He simply doesn’t view it as something that requires constant attention.
It’s another example of a player refusing to spend energy on things he considers unnecessary.
Eating… Without Utensils
Then there’s perhaps the habit that surprises teammates most.
Hollins has said he doesn’t use utensils.
Forks?
Knives?
Spoons?
Not interested.
Instead, he often prefers eating with his hands whenever practical.
The practice has become one of the many stories teammates happily share during interviews because it perfectly captures Hollins’ personality.
He’s unconventional.
He’s comfortable with it.
And he isn’t changing simply because other people find it unusual.
The Vegetable Debate
Among the many quirky details that have circulated about Hollins is his admission that he doesn’t eat vegetables.
Nutrition experts generally recommend a balanced diet that includes vegetables for most people, and professional athletes often work closely with dietitians to meet their nutritional needs.
Hollins’ dietary preferences are personal and unusual rather than something intended as nutritional advice.
Like so many aspects of his lifestyle, they’re simply part of what makes him different.
Then Came the Cats…
Just when fans thought they’d heard everything, Hollins delivered perhaps his most memorable quote.
“I hate cats. Cats will steal your soul. Never trust a cat.”
The internet immediately did what the internet always does.
It exploded.
Some fans laughed.
Cat owners jokingly defended their pets.
Memes spread across social media within hours.
Was Hollins serious?
Was he joking?
Only Mack Hollins probably knows for sure.
Regardless, the quote instantly became another unforgettable chapter in the growing collection of “Only Mack Hollins” moments.
Why Patriots Fans Love It
New England has always appreciated players who embrace individuality without allowing it to interfere with football.
That’s exactly what Hollins appears to do.
Behind every unusual habit is someone known around the league for professionalism.
Coaches praise his preparation.
Teammates consistently describe him as dependable.
His work ethic has never been questioned.
If anything, many believe his unconventional lifestyle reflects an unusual level of intentionality.
Every habit has a purpose.
Whether fans understand it or not doesn’t particularly matter.
Football Comes First
It’s easy to laugh about elevators and anime.
It’s much harder to ignore what Hollins brings once he steps onto the field.
Throughout his NFL career, he has earned respect as one of football’s most reliable role players.
He’s built a reputation as an outstanding blocker.
A dependable special teams contributor.
A veteran presence willing to do the difficult jobs that rarely appear in highlight reels.
Every NFL coaching staff values players like that.
Championship teams are filled with stars.
They’re also filled with professionals willing to embrace less glamorous responsibilities.
Hollins has built his career doing exactly that.
Authentic in an Age of Image
Professional sports have become increasingly polished.
Every interview is analyzed.
Every social media post is carefully managed.
Many athletes understandably protect their public image.
Mack Hollins seems refreshingly uninterested in creating one.
He says what he believes.
He lives the way he prefers.
He doesn’t appear particularly concerned whether millions of strangers approve.
That authenticity has become increasingly rare.
Perhaps that’s why fans enjoy following him.
He’s unpredictable.
Not because he’s seeking attention.
Because he’s simply being himself.
More Than an Internet Personality
The danger with viral personalities is that people sometimes forget they’re elite professionals.
Hollins didn’t reach the NFL because of funny quotes.
He earned his place through years of hard work, physical preparation, and persistence.
The anime.
The stairs.
The lack of a car.
The unusual eating habits.
Those details make entertaining stories.
His football career tells the more important one.
A veteran who has consistently found ways to contribute wherever he’s played.
The Perfect Fit for New England?
The Patriots have long valued players who think independently while committing fully to team success.
Hollins appears to fit that culture naturally.
He may never become the loudest star in the locker room.
He may continue avoiding elevators.
He may continue watching nothing but anime.
And yes, he may never change his opinion about cats.
But none of those habits define him nearly as much as his commitment to football.
Because beneath every quirky headline is a player teammates trust, coaches respect, and fans quickly grow to appreciate.
In a league where so many personalities blend together, Mack Hollins has chosen a different path.
No television.
No elevator.
No car.
No apologies.
Just one of the NFL’s most fascinating personalities proving that sometimes the most memorable players aren’t the ones trying hardest to stand out—they’re simply the ones who refuse to be anyone other than themselves.