The New England Patriots received a significant boost ahead of Sunday's crucial AFC Championship showdown in Denver, with wide receiver Mack Hollins returning from an abdominal injury that had sidelined him since December. However, the veteran pass-catcher's unconventional pre-game arrival at Empower Field quickly became the talk of social media, overshadowing his important comeback.
An Unforgettable Locker Room Entrance
Hollins, who is famously known for avoiding footwear when not on the playing field, was captured on video strolling barefoot into the visiting locker room on Sunday morning. The 6-foot-4 receiver added to the spectacle by carrying what appeared to be empty beer bottles on three fingers of his right hand. In a moment captured by NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe and shared by the Patriots' official social media account, Hollins dramatically quoted the 1979 cult classic film The Warriors, clinking the bottles together while calling out: 'Warriors, come out to play!'
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Followers
The unusual display immediately sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms, with many fans questioning Hollins' mental state and preparedness for the championship game. One observer on X commented bluntly: 'The guy might be psycho,' while another joked about his apparent condition with the remark: 'Bros drunk [as f***].' Despite the eccentric behavior, Patriots supporters were generally pleased to see Hollins back in action after his recent stint on injured reserve.
Return from Injury and Season Performance
Hollins had been sidelined since suffering an abdominal injury during the Patriots' December 21 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, with the team recently removing him from their injured reserve list ahead of the championship game. The 32-year-old receiver represents an important component of New England's passing attack, though his early-season production was somewhat inconsistent.
During the first seven games of the season, Hollins managed just 11 receptions before finding his rhythm against the Cleveland Browns in October, where he recorded seven catches for 89 yards. He improved upon that performance in November with a six-reception, 106-yard effort during a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hollins also connected seven times with quarterback Drake Maye for 69 yards in that crucial December victory against Baltimore.
Patriots' Offensive Depth and Championship Context
The Patriots enter the AFC Championship with considerable depth at the receiver position, where veteran star Stefon Diggs is complemented by emerging talents Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas, along with rookie Kyle Williams. This offensive firepower has contributed significantly to New England's impressive statistical performance this season, with the team ranking second in scoring and third in total yardage across the league.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos face their own challenges ahead of the 3pm kickoff, having lost starting quarterback Bo Nix to season-ending ankle surgery following last week's divisional-round victory over the Buffalo Bills. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is set to start in Nix's place despite not having thrown a single pass throughout the entire regular season, creating a significant matchup dynamic for the championship contest.
