Okay, so I kept seeing these things around NFL players’ necks and I was like, “What the heck ARE those?” I mean, they weren’t necklaces, not really. They looked kinda bulky, almost like a neck brace, but not quite. So, I did what anyone would do – I started digging!
My Little Investigation
First, I just started by plain old observing. I watched a bunch of games, paying super close attention to the players, especially after big hits or tackles. I noticed that some players had them, and some didn’t. And they seemed most common with the guys who were really in the thick of it – linebackers, running backs, defensive linemen, you know, the guys getting slammed around a lot.
Then, I started to search it on google. I tried a few different searches, like “NFL neck protection” and “football neck collar” – that kind of stuff. Bingo! I started getting some hits.
What I Found Out
Turns out, these things are called “neck rolls” or “cowboy collars.” There are a few different kinds, too.
- Neck Rolls:These are the simpler ones. Basic padding that wraps around the neck.
- Cowboy Collars: These are more structured, they are kind of like a harness or a mini-brace that fits over the shoulders and connects to the shoulder pads.
I read some articles, some player interviews. These things are all about reducing the impact of hits, especially preventing the head from snapping back. And they are designed to help limit neck injuries, things like stingers (which sound super painful!).
It’s not mandatory to wear them, it depends on how players like. I guess some players feel they restrict movement a bit. But others swear by them, saying they feel way more protected, especially those with past neck problems.
So, there you have it! My mini-quest to figure out those neck things is complete. Now I can watch the games with a little more understanding. Kinda cool to know what’s going on under all that gear!
