Mike Vrabel boiled down Mack Hollins’ value after New England’s Week 10 win, stressing leadership and steady presence. Hollins, Vrabel noted, stabilizes the passing game and sets a tone in the locker room.
The coach ended his remarks with a pop-culture quip: “I appreciate his professionalism. Don’t judge a book by its cover. He walks around like Encino Man. But he’s smart, he’s easy to talk to; I enjoy our conversations….I think he’s a good leader….I like having him here.”
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on WR Mack Hollins:
"I appreciate his professionalism. Don't judge a book by its cover. He walks around like Enchino Man. But he's smart, he's easy to talk to; I enjoy our conversations….I think he's a good leader….I like having him here." pic.twitter.com/a9hTAy64F9
— New England Sports Fellow (@_JosephManning) November 10, 2025
Mike Vrabel Praises Mack Hollins’ Veteran Impact After 106-Yard Breakout Game
Buffalo Bills, Mack Hollins
Jul 24, 2024; Rochester, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) catches a pass during training camp at St. John Fisher University. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
The Cold Wire. Mike Vrabel’s comments came after the Patriots edged the Buccaneers 28-23, a result that pushed New England to 8-2. The headline figure from the game: Hollins finished with six receptions for 106 yards. That box-score output mattered because it arrived during a match when quarterback Drake Maye struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Hollins’ catches bought the offense critical downs and field-position swings.
Vrabel framed Hollins’ impact as both cultural and tactical. He described a player who “walks around like Encino Man,” then immediately corrected any stereotype by pointing to Hollins’ intelligence and approachability. The coach’s point: eccentric appearance does not equal lack of professionalism. In practice-room terms, Hollins provides dependable route-running, timely separation, and veteran calm on contested throws. Those traits make him a stabilizer when the passing game looks fractious.
Across 122 NFL appearances, Hollins has rarely posted gaudy totals; the 106-yard game nonetheless stands out because it paired volume with influence. Vrabel’s praise highlighted the leadership of the less-visible work of communication, mentorship, and steady presence on game days and off. That kind of contribution, the coach implied, is what keeps a locker room steady through slumps and adjustments.
The Encino Man comparison also functions as a shorthand. Vrabel used it to disarm critics and highlight the disparity between appearance and substance. The coach then offered thecomplete assessment to close his point:
“I appreciate his professionalism. Don’t judge a book by its cover. He walks around like Encino Man. But he’s smart, he’s easy to talk to; I enjoy our conversations….I think he’s a good leader….I like having him here.”
Coaches prize players who steady a roster. Vrabel’s comments made clear Hollins fits that profile, a veteran who matters even when he isn’t the flashy headline.