Best Football Neck Rolls of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Aug 29, 2023

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Football neck rolls are an essential piece of protective gear for football players. These cylindrical foam pads are typically worn around the neck to cushion and support the head during impact. They are designed to absorb shock and prevent whiplash, which can cause serious injuries to the neck and spine. Football neck rolls come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit different players and positions. Some models even feature adjustable straps or air bladders for a custom fit. Overall, football neck rolls are a crucial component of a player's safety equipment, helping to prevent injuries and ensure a long, healthy career on the field.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Neck Roll Cover #TOP 1
Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Neck Roll
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Gear Pro-Tec Adult Z-Cool Neck Roll Cover #TOP 2
Gear Pro-Tec Adult Z-Cool Neck Roll
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Danmar Swirl Collar - Infant Blue Cover #TOP 3
Danmar Swirl Collar - Infant Blue
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Football Neck Rolls

#TOP 1

Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Neck Roll

1317329
One Size
Gear Pro-Tec Z-Cool Neck Roll Cover
Gear Pro-Tec Youth Z-Cool Neck Roll, One Size

Gear Pro-Tec Neck Roll is a foam-filled nylon fabric accessory that can be attached to Z-Cool and X2 Air shoulder pads with screws and t-nuts (not included). With its one size fits all feature, it is compatible with all models of Z-Cool and X2 Air shoulder pads. The Gear Pro-Tec Neck Roll offers added protection to the neck area, which is an essential part of the body that needs to be protected during football games. The foam-filled nylon fabric provides comfort and absorbs shock, minimizing the impact of hits to the neck area. The Gear Pro-Tec Neck Roll is easy to install and can be a great addition to your football gear.

What We Like
Easy to install
Provides added protection to the neck area
Compatible with all models of Z-Cool and X2 Air shoulder pads
#TOP 2

Gear Pro-Tec Adult Z-Cool Neck Roll

1317312
Black,silver
One Size
Gear Pro-Tec Adult Z-Cool Neck Roll Cover
Gear Pro-Tec Adult Z-Cool Neck Roll, One Size

The Gear Pro-Tec Adult Z-Cool Neck Roll is a football neck roll that measures 6.35cm in length, 78.74cm in height, 15.24cm in width, and weighs 0.363kg. This neck roll is designed to provide added support and protection for the neck while playing football.

What We Like
Provides added support and protection for the neck
Lightweight at only 0.363kg
Compact package size for easy transport and storage
#TOP 3

Danmar Swirl Collar - Infant Blue

6833-Blue-Infant
Danmar Swirl Collar - Infant Blue Cover
Danmar Swirl Collar - Infant Blue

The Danmar Swirl Collar - Infant Blue is a football neck roll designed for infants, made of white foam and covered with a blue cover. It is a great accessory to help your little one stay comfortable and safe during football games.

What We Like
Helps infants stay comfortable and safe during football games
Made of white foam and covered with a blue cover
Designed specifically for infants
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did football players stop wearing neck rolls?

Joseph said that neck rolls probably disappeared because the game had sped up and equipment had been altered to allow players to keep pace. Linebacker Michael Boley, who said he never dabbled with a neck roll in his younger days, agreed, saying most players today want pads that are light and allow for movement.

2. Do neck rolls work football?

Although they've become less popular over the last few decades, the protection they are designed to offer could make a difference in the right scenario. However, neck rolls are still used at all levels of play and are designed to help avoid neck injuries by helping to stabilize the neck area.

3. What are neck rolls called?

Neck rolls, also known as cowboy collars, were often worn in the 1980s and 1990s. Players who wore these were often looked upon as players who would run through anything. The neck collar made them look even bigger while breaking through offensive lines.

4. What do football players wear around their necks?

The C-shaped device, called the Q-Collar, fits around the back and side of the neck. It works by clamping down on blood vessels in the neck, which increases blood volume in the skull. This limits the movement of the brain inside the skull, which researchers believe generally causes traumatic brain injury.

Editor's Notes

During our football neck roll research, we found 3 football neck roll products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 27,039 customer reviews through our big data system to write the football neck rolls list. We found that most customers choose football neck rolls with an average price of $37.29.

The football neck rolls are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of football neck rolls, including Gear Pro-Tec, Danmar. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,512 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.