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Because American Football such a physical sport, players are required to wear protective equipment.
A decent helmet and an pair of good shoulder pads are a requirement, but there are also players who choose to go a little further than the basic protection, and purchase neck protection in the form of a 'neck roll'.
Neck protection is necessary to make playing American football comfortable and safe.
Are you looking for a new neck roll for your football equipment? Then you've come to the right place!
I have made a top four of the best neck rolls and will discuss each option in detail in this article, so that you can make an informed choice in the end.
Of the various options available, my top pick is the Shock Doctor Ultra Neck Guard. It is one of the best neck rolls from this sturdy brand, it fits comfortably and offers optimal protection.
You may have slightly different requirements for the neck roll that is perfect for you. Check the table below for the best neck rolls in different categories.
Further information can be found later in the article, after the buying guide.
| Best neck roll | Image |
| Best Neck Roll Overalls: Shock Doctor Ultra Neck Guard | 
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| Best Contoured Neck Roll: Schutt Varsity Football Shoulder Pad Collar | 
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| Best 'butterfly restrictor' neck protection: Douglas Butterfly Restrictors | 
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| Best Neck Roll For Youth: Gear Pro-Tec Youth Z-Cool | 
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What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 How do you choose the best neck protection for American Football?
- 2 The best neck rolls extensively reviewed
- 3 FAQ
- 3.1 Why buy a neck roll?
- 3.2 What is the 'Cowboy Collar'?
- 3.3 What does it mean when a neck roll "floats" or does not "float"?
- 3.4 How long do you normally do with a neck roll?
- 3.5 What positions in football normally wear neck rolls?
- 3.6 In what sizes are neck rolls available?
- 3.7 Do NFL Players Still Wear Neck Rolls?
- 3.8 Are neck rolls recommended?
- 3.9 How do you fasten a neck roll?
- 4 Conclusion
How do you choose the best neck protection for American Football?
Before we discuss my favorite neck rolls in more detail, I will first explain what exactly makes a neck roll good. What do you definitely pay attention to when purchasing?
Filling
The padding is the most important part of neck protection.
Check whether the neckroll has a significant amount of foam padding. Good padding helps to protect the neck, but also supports the head by supporting the helmet.
In addition, make sure that the protection is made of shock-absorbing and shock-resistant materials, that the neck roll is durable, fits comfortably, is water and heat resistant and breathable.
Most neck rolls are made of plastic, nylon or foam rubber.
Stingers, as mentioned earlier, can arise during tackles or when players turn their heads too fast.
The right filling helps to reduce or prevent the occurrence of stingers. Some neck protectors have more padding than others to better protect you.
Filling design / thickness
Two different neck protection designs are available: 'foam padding' design and 'guard padding' design. They both offer about the same protection.
Which design you choose is up to you. It is now just what you find comfortable.
Foam padding design
This type of neck protection is wrapped around the neck and fastened to the shoulder pads. It gives you almost 360-degree protection.
It is ideal if you are looking for maximum helmet support. The protection is a bit big, but comfortable enough and easy to wrap around your neck.
Guard padding design
Guard padding neck protection is for the player who prefers something less voluminous. It molds to the neck and sits right under the collar of your jersey.
For the player who needs to be able to move the head freely, the guard padding can provide the best safety.
It's nearly invisible, and a perfect choice for skill players such as defensive backs, running backs, and receivers.
Size
Neck protection or neck rolls are therefore designed to be attached to your shoulder pads.
Most neck protection comes in an adult or youth (youth) size, but sometimes they are also available in larger sizes. It's easy to find the right size.
It is extremely important that the neck protection is properly attached to the shoulder pads. It should not move and should remain firmly in place.
However, there must be enough room for your neck to continue breathing.
Compatible with shoulder pads
Keep in mind that some manufacturers only design neck protection for their own brand of shoulder pads.
So before you buy a neck roll, check whether it actually fits on your shoulder pads.
Do not try to force it, if the neck protection does not fit on your shoulder pads, then unfortunately it does and you have to go for another option.
Convenience, comfort and looks
Furthermore, it is also important to take into account the position you are playing.
If you go for a neck roll, make sure it offers maximum protection, is comfortable, you know how to attach it to your shoulder pads.
For example, it can be strapped to your shoulder pads versus attached with screws. It differs whether it is permanently attached to your shoulder pads or whether you can easily remove it again.
Do you like a certain color? Most brands have a neutral neck roll in the colors white or black. However, there are also brands that offer different colors, so that the neck roll can match your jersey.
Are you specifically looking for a neck roll that is a bit lighter in weight or a heavier one?
One with adjustable straps is handy so that you can adjust the neck roll exactly to your wishes.
Neck roll type
There are different types of neck rolls. Below an overview:
The contoured neck rolls
The contoured neck rolls are attached to the shoulder pads. However, the strings for fastening are not always included.
The advantage of contoured neck rolls is that they are generally very comfortable.
The colored straps or strings can be matched with the rest of the outfit. There are also different sizes available, so that the neck roll always fits well.
The only drawback is that they don't offer such good protection against 'stingers'.
Round neck rolls
Rounded neck rolls are not very different from contoured neck rolls, they only have a slightly narrower design which can be an advantage for some players.
They are usually made of foam and mesh and are lightweight. They are comfortable and offer good protection. They are also sweat absorbent.
The disadvantages are that they are slightly less protective than other options and also less durable.
Butterfly restrictor
The butterfly restrictor is a bit more robust and can offer good protection against 'stingers', but still fits comfortably and gives enough freedom of movement of the neck so that the view is not obstructed.
The downside is that they are larger in design, more expensive and often only compatible with certain (brands of) shoulder pads.
cowboy collar
The cowboy collar is the most robust neck roll option and is secured in the shoulder pads. It contributes to helmet stability and neck support.
The cowboy collar offers more protection than other neck rolls, but you don't see it much these days.
The disadvantages of this type of neck protection is that it is the most expensive option and it is quite large in design.
The best neck rolls extensively reviewed
Now that you know quite a bit about neck rolls and understand what to consider when buying them, it's (finally!) time to discuss some good neck rolls.
I'll start with the best overall, of which I've already given you a sneak peak above.
Best Neck Roll Overall: Shock Doctor Ultra Neck Guard
- Flexibility
- Light weight
- Comfortable
- Adjustable strap
- Soft lining
- Sustainability
- For youth, 'junior' and adults
Shock Doctor is a leading manufacturer of protective and performance sports equipment.
Their products are trusted by athletes from amateurs to the professionals of a growing number of sports around the world.
It is a prestigious brand that you can rely on and the Shock Doctor Ultra Neck Guard is one of the best neck protectors from the brand.
It is flexible and lightweight. The neck roll offers solid protection and a pleasant playing experience.
This pre-curved neck protector improves neck protection while allowing the neck to move freely.
It has a comfortable, adjustable strap that offers a pristine fit.
This neck protector is made with cut-resistant aramid fibres, a soft knit lining and durable materials on the external side that offer the wearer maximum protection.
The foam used in making this neck roll is of a softer material that also plays an important role in the shock absorption.
The straps can be adjusted for the best fit and the cut resistant properties prevent cuts.
Young players (youth and junior sizes) can also use this neck protection.
Besides, not only football athletes enjoy this neck roll; also goalkeepers and hockey players like to wear it.
The only downside is that the neck protection is a bit on the thin side.
Best Contoured Neck Roll: Schutt Varsity Football Shoulder Pad Collar
- Damping, soft effect
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Fits all Schutt Varsity shoulder pads but also other brands
- Heavy
- Perfect fit
- Screw on shoulder pads
- For youth and adults
The Shutt Varsity neck roll offers complete protection, security and support to the neck and has a cushioning, soft effect. The protection can also be used by young players.
This water-repellent and sturdy nylon material is without a doubt easy to wash and keep clean. The product is also compatible with all types of Schutt Varsity shoulder pads and also with the other shoulder pads.
The neck guard is known for being innovative with advanced features. It offers ultimate protection and comfort to its users.
The neck protector has a perfect fit and a good wrap around the neck. It is a bit heavier than other neck protectors.
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, as you will need to screw the neck guard onto your shoulder pads. If you don't attach it properly, the protection can feel quite bulky.
The difference with the Shock Doctor is that you wear it 'loosely' around your neck – because this neck protector is not only used for football – where the Shutt Varsity neck protector must actually be attached to your shoulder pads.
Also read: Top 5 Best American Football Visors Compared & Reviewed
Best 'Butterfly Restrictor' Neck Guard: Douglas Butterfly Restrictor
- Perfect against 'stingers'
- Does not retain heat
- Attaches with screws on shoulder pads
- One size fits most (youth + adults)
- Enough freedom of movement
This is the ultimate 'stinger buster'. The neck protector is made of high quality material that prevents 'stingers'.
It provides superior neck protection for linemen, linebackers and running backs.
The neck protection does not retain heat like other collars or neck rolls sometimes do.
It offers good protection by fixing the collar straight on the shoulder pads, so that it cannot slip during the game.
The neck protection is closer to the helmet than is the case with other neck rolls. Furthermore, the neck protection fits almost everyone, from the sizes 'large youth' to adult sizes.
If you're looking for long-lasting protection, this is a perfect choice. You can keep your head and neck moving freely when you wear this neck roll. It gives you ultimate safety and confidence on the pitch.
The only downside may be that it can be a challenge for some to tighten the screws. Also, the neck protector can sometimes block the field of view.
Furthermore, it is a lot more expensive than the previous two options (the Shock Doctor and the Shutt Varsity neck protectors) and it is also a bit more robust in design.
Best Neck Roll for Youth: Gear Pro-Tec Youth Z-Cool
- Youth size
- Fits all models Z-Cool and X2 Air shoulder pads
- Made with a foam filled nylon fabric
- Fastens with screws and t-nuts
- Very soft
Is your child ready to step on the gridiron? Well, as a parent, you're probably a little concerned about that thought.
On the other hand, you also want your child to go out into the world, gain experiences and become stronger, so that at some point he or she can handle (almost) everything that life throws at him or her.
But of course with due observance of certain safety standards.
The neck is the most vulnerable part of our body. That's why it's important to give your child neck protection, and you can do that very well with the Gear Pro-Tech Z-Cool neck roll.
The neck roll protects your child not only against a sudden jerk, push, slide and fall, but also against anything that can hurt during play.
In addition, the dimensions and design are perfect. The neck roll is lightweight and compact.
This Gear Pro-Tec neckroll is a one-size model and fits all models Z-Cool and X2 Air shoulder pads.
It is intended for young athletes (youth sizes) and made from a foam filled nylon fabric. You can attach the neckroll to your shoulder pads with screws and t-nuts – which are not included by the way.
The Gear-Pro is also designed to protect your child's neck from the heavy weight of the helmet. It feels very soft because it is full of foam. And the foam is lined with nylon.
Another striking feature of this neck protection is that, if your child has problems with his posture and has a curved back, this neck roll can remedy that.
However, if your skin cannot withstand nylon well, this neck roll is unfortunately no longer an option.
Whether you're a football player looking for extra protection, or if you're a parent and like to keep your little athlete as safe as possible on the field; this neck roll is the ultimate choice.
FAQ
Why buy a neck roll?
Neck protection is designed to help stabilize the neck area and prevent neck injuries. It is used on all game levels.
Head, neck and spinal injuries are dangerous injuries that American football players can sustain.
These types of injuries don't just happen on a professional level; Even at the amateur level, athletes can be seriously injured, especially if they don't wear the right protection.
The main purpose of a neck roll is to keep the neck in the right place. It attaches to the shoulder pads and wraps around the neck, under the helmet.
When the player is hit, tackles another player himself or hits the ground hard, the neck roll prevents the head from shooting back and causing whiplash or other neck or head injury.
With a variety of styles, designs and technologies, neck roll manufacturers aim to provide the highest level of safety without hindering or weighing down a player's movement.
What is the 'Cowboy Collar'?
The neck roll is also known as the 'Cowboy collar' – named after former Cowboys fullback Daryl Johnson.
The neck roll became especially popular in the 80s and 90s. Several tough players from the NFL, such as Howie Long and Johnston, wore the neck roll on the gridiron.
They gave it the reputation of a protective item that was also worn by tough and aggressive players.
Nowadays, the neck roll has lost popularity, as more style and swag is given to it. Neck rolls are no longer considered 'tough'.
The shoulder pads are also made of an increasingly better quality.
However, there are still players who wear neck protection to prevent 'stingers'. Stingers are described as a feeling that can be produced when players turn their heads too quickly.
They can also be caused by tackles, when the shoulder moves one way while the head and neck move the other way.
Cowboy Collars for football offer a wider range of protection and support than traditional neck rolls and collars.
The large, pre-shaped collar supports the back of the helmet, and it also gives you support on the sides.
Cowboy collars may be a bit more expensive than other neck rolls, but they offer more support and less restriction of movement.
What does it mean when a neck roll "floats" or does not "float"?
Traditional neck rolls that attach to the shoulder pads are considered floating as they are not attached directly to the shoulder pads.
Neck protection from brands such as Mueller and Douglas can actually be screwed into your shoulder pads, permanent or semi-permanent, and it does not "float".
These neck rolls are great because they don't move and provide plenty of padding without restricting movement.
How long do you normally do with a neck roll?
Depending on the level and quality of your gear, neck rolls will not last more than three years.
Neck rolls are often made by shoulder pad manufacturers to fit their own shoulder pad models, in case players are looking for extra neck protection.
The two items, shoulder pads and neck roll, go hand in hand. When you are going to replace your shoulder pads, it is also a good time to replace your neck roll.
What positions in football normally wear neck rolls?
Lineman, linebackers and fullbacks are the players on the field who wear neck rolls in most cases.
Neck rolls are thus mainly used by players involved in blocking and tackling.
These types of players have regular physical contact on the line of scrimmage; the 'imaginary' line on the field where each game begins.
This can sometimes cause neck injuries.
In what sizes are neck rolls available?
Neck rolls are available in different sizes, from 'youth' to adult sizes.
Always check whether your shoulder pads can actually be combined with the neck roll you have in mind.
In many cases you will also have to buy your neck roll of the same brand as that of your shoulder pads, just like a chin strap.
Do NFL Players Still Wear Neck Rolls?
The neck roll is a classic in NFL history. It evokes a sense of nostalgia. Unfortunately, the neck roll in today's NFL is dying out.
The few players who still wear a neck roll no longer radiate the same 'swag' or intimidation as the players of the past.
Are neck rolls recommended?
Even though they are becoming a lot less popular, they are still used at all levels. They can make a big difference in the right scenario.
How do you fasten a neck roll?
All you have to do is follow the steps below in the correct order.
These are general guidelines and the steps may vary slightly depending on the product you purchased.
- Step 1: Carefully examine the neck roll cushion and bow, which are usually plastic. Slide the collar in between. Adjust it to get the perfect fit.
- Step 2: If holes need to be made in your shoulder pads, drill them in. It is recommended to mark the holes before drilling to avoid mistakes.
- Step 3: Install the screws and other hardware and secure the neck roll to your shoulder pads.
Conclusion
Neck rolls are made to prevent neck injuries by stabilizing the neck. They often have a significant amount of foam padding, which helps protect the neck and support the helmet.
I hope this article helps you understand what a neck roll is and how important it is to have one when you play American football.
Which is your favorite?
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