Mack Hollins honored by weight of being named a Dolphins captain
When the Miami Dolphins announced their 2021 team captains, the name Mack Hollins may not have necessarily been a surprise if you were told he made the cut as a special teams representative. But that honor instead went to Clayton Fejedelem, meaning that the Dolphins’ players had recognized Hollins as a leader and team captain on the offensive side of the football.
Expectations should be set accordingly, however. Captainship doesn’t necessarily mean that Hollins is going to be a featured piece of the offensive attack. Instead, Hollins should be considered something of a tone setting personality for the room — and that’s an honor he takes very seriously.
Hollins was asked about what it meant to be named a team captain on Wednesday and he shared some of his mentality coming off the news.
“It’s a huge honor, especially to get voted on by your teammates, to be held in that regard. It’s awesome and it’s something I don’t take for granted. Does it add a little bit of a load? Yeah, but it’s something that I’ll gladly accept because I think it gives me the ability to hold guys to a higher standard. As you all know, I am a bit of a loudmouth on the field, so now I have a little backing behind what I say,” joked Hollins.
As far as how Hollins has found himself is such a significant leadership position? Hollins credits his perspective and approach to work on a daily basis and being a positive source of energy for his teammates.
“I think it’s just that I’m always there every day trying to keep guys positive, trying to keep guys going, trying to work at a high level and I’m fortunate enough that my teammates recognize that and thought that was worthy enough to be voted a captain,” said Hollins.
“But it doesn’t stop. The bar gets raised a little bit higher. Now every fault that I make, not only the team will be on me but you all will be on me. As a captain, you can’t do this, this and this. I know that and I understand that. I think it’s good because it raises my bar. It makes me practice harder, work harder.”
Hollins’ role with the 2021 Dolphins figures to be a diverse one. He will get plenty of run on special teams. But he’ll also garner snaps on offense and, if health and durability is an issue for the room, Hollins may get a chance to show he’s grown as a receiver — putting all that positive energy and hard work to good use.
