The New England Patriots’ roster construction under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel put a premium on culture. It was therefore not surprising to see veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins join the team in free agency.

A journeyman on his sixth team since entering the league in 2017, Hollins certainly is a character. Behind the costumes he has worn during his pre-game arrivals and his distaste for wearing shoes even in wintery conditions, however, lies a player who is a competitor through-and-through and somebody willing to challenge his teammates.

Hollins said as much during his introductory press conference back in March. And according to teammate Kendrick Bourne, he is putting his money where his mouth is.

“Mack Hollins, he’s very competitive,” Bourne said. “He is awesome, man. Just being around him, that energy is just special. I’ve never been around somebody like him. In the weight room, pushing us — everything he said in his press conferences. I watched him, he’s standing on that. I love that.

“It creates competitiveness and for us to push each other. I kind of learned that about him. Obviously, he has all his antics with the shoes and stuff but being around him now, learning him personally, is dope; it is genuine. I love that character.”

A fourth-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, Hollins later spent time with the Miami Dolphins before three straight one-year stints in Las Vegas, Atlanta and most recently Buffalo. The Patriots gave him a two-year, $8 million contract to bring him aboard.

In New England, the 31-year-old projects as a potential starter at the perimeter. He also projects as a tone-setter in a new-look room that also features the likes of fellow offseason additions Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams.

“Pushing guys is something I enjoy, because I know not only will it make them better, it will make me better,” Hollins explained. “Because if I ever stumble, they are like, ‘You’re talking all that and now here you go.’ So, it’s kind of a two-way street.”

So far, it seems he is leading by example — just like he said he would.