Rockville native Hollins catches miracle pass in Dolphins win originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Miami Dolphins kept their playoff chances alive Saturday with an improbable 26-25 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday that was set up by a Hail Mary pass thrown by Ryan Fitzpatrick while a defender pulled him to the ground by his facemask.
Snapping the ball on Miami’s own 25-yard line with the Raiders leading by two, Fitzpatrick stepped up in the pocket and heaved a 41-yard pass to Rockville, Maryland’s own Mack Hollins. The throw and yardage incurred by the penalty set up kicker Jason Sanders for a 44-yard field goal to help the Dolphins steal a victory and remain ahead of the Ravens for the final AFC Wild Card spot.
Hollins attended Thomas S. Wootton High School and spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia before walking on as a freshman at UNC. Despite not receiving any Division-I offers, Hollins worked his way into a starting role for the Tar Heels and developed into one of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky’s favorite targets.
After finishing his college career with over 1,600 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns over four years, Hollins was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He suited up for all 16 games as a rookie, catching 16 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown. Hollins also nabbed one catch in the playoffs as Philadelphia went on to win Super Bowl LII.
A groin injury he sustained during the season required him to undergo hernia surgery and ultimately cost him the entire 2018 season. He returned the following year but garnered just 22 targets in 12 games before being waived by the Eagles. Miami claimed him off waivers and he’s been there ever since, catching 15 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown.
Fitzpatrick called his facemask-impinged pass the best of his career. Hollins already has a Super Bowl ring, but now he’s part of a highlight that is sure to be remembered in Dolphins lore for a long time.
