How to Install a Cowboy Collar for Football

Football is a game of hard hits and high-speed collisions. To help protect the neck from injury many players use a Cowboy Collar. The Cowboy Collar is a trademarked football safety device manufactured by McDavid. Fitted beneath the shoulder pads, this cervical collar helps prevent "stinger" and "burner" injuries by absorbing shock and engaging the sides and back of the helmet without restricting the player's movement. Stinger and burner injuries are common in football and involve injury to the nerves coming off the spinal cord. Offensive and defensive linemen, along with linebackers, are the most common positions to wear Cowboy Collars.

Things You'll Need

  • Perspiration-absorbing undershirt
  • Cowboy Collar
  • Shoulder pads
  • Jersey
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on an undershirt. Fabric with a polyester blend that captures perspiration, such as Nike Dri-Fit and Under Armour, are best.

    • 2

      Place the Cowboy Collar over your head, then around your neck. The collar rests on the back of your neck and shoulders with the laces worn in the front.

    • 3

      Secure the Cowboy Collar in place by tying the laces the same as you would the laces of your shoulder pads. Pull them tight to secure the Cowboy Collar.

    • 4

      Slip the shoulder pads over your head and place them on top of the Cowboy Collar. The neck brace of the collar fits through the neck outline of the shoulder pads. Tie the laces of the shoulder pads to secure them over the collar.

    • 5

      Pull your jersey over the shoulder pads. The jersey should be as tight as possible to help secure the collar and pads. Tuck the jersey into your pants or leave it loose, if you wear a three-quarter jersey.