What do NFL players wear around their neck? Explaining the band used by star athletes

NFL players are some of the toughest athletes in the country. They are often aware of the risks involved whenever they step onto the field of play.

Nonetheless, athletes need to take certain measures to limit any potentially life-threatening injuries. The Q-Collar, a band worn on a player's neck, is a protective safeguard to help prevent head injuries.

What is Q-Collar worn by NFL players? How does it work?

A Q-Collar is a band generally worn on the back of an NFL player's neck. According to the Q30 website, the band helps increase blood volume in the brain’s venous structures.

This reduces the possibility of the harmful internal movement that causes brain injury. The tech-savvy gear offers a direct counter to the brain from moving when the head is exposed to an impact.

Why do NFL players wear Q-Collar around their neck?

The Q-Collar is an FDA-cleared solution that helps protect the player's brain and nervous system during repetitive head impacts. The effects of being hit on the head can pose long-term health risks, including decreased mental acuity, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), dementia, and Alzheimer’s.

Since players are at risk of taking impactful hits to their heads, the equipment helps prevent brain injuries. Reports claim that the Q-Collar minimizes jugular vein compression and can protect the brain in a way no external protection can.

Which NFL players wear Q-Collar around their neck?

Sevel players in the NFL wear the Q-Collar around the neck for protection. Some of the more prominent names include Tennessee Titans running back Rony Pollard and Carolina Panther linebacker Shaq Thompson.

In an interview with Q30, Pollard outlined the benefits of using the Q-Collar when he is on the field of play.

“Playing the sport that I do, I’ve seen guys retire and not be able to move the same as before or function the same because of hits. Maybe it’s brain damage. Maybe it’s just from the body getting hit,” Pollard said.

“It’s a tough game that we play so any kind of advantage I can get to protect myself, I have to take. I feel like wearing the Q-Collar, especially with the big impacts that we take as football players and as a running back, will definitely help me.”

Some other players who have been spotted wearing the Q-Collar are Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp, Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz, Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert, and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson.