You’ve seen it during Sunday games or in highlight reels: tight end Dalton Kincaid of the Buffalo Bills with a slim, horseshoe-shaped device wrapped around his neck. It’s not a style statement—it’s a safety tool. In a league increasingly focused on reducing brain injury risk, what this gear does, why Kincaid and others are using it, and how it might change the game are worth knowing. Let’s break down what the device is, how it works, and what Americans interested in football, health, or tech should care about.
What Is Dalton Kincaid Wearing on His Neck?
The device is called a Q-Collar. It’s a non-invasive collar worn around the neck, designed to slightly compress the jugular veins in a safe way so that blood volume in the skull increases just enough to cushion the brain and reduce its movement during impacts.
Why Kincaid Started Wearing It
Kincaid sustained a concussion after a matchup in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following that injury, he began using the Q-Collar in games. It’s part of a broader move in the NFL, as well as in youth and college sports, to adopt more tools and protocols that lower risks of repetitive head trauma.
Why It Matters — Benefits & Context
Brain safety in American football has become a major public concern. Concussions and long-term brain injury, like CTE, are topics fans, parents, players, and medical researchers are following closely. Any device that can reduce “subconcussive” damage—hits that don’t produce immediate symptoms—gets serious attention.
The Q-Collar is FDA-cleared. Early studies, including research involving high school athletes, suggest reduced rates of certain brain injuries when the collar is worn consistently.
What it means for different groups:
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For players: an added layer of protection that doesn’t interfere with performance.
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For teams: using such devices could reduce medical liabilities and build a stronger safety culture.
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For parents and youth athletes: seeing NFL players like Kincaid wear it helps normalize safety gear beyond helmets and pads.
Examples & U.S. Developments
Kincaid isn’t the only NFL player wearing a Q-Collar. Others, including defensive players, have also adopted it. The device is being discussed at college football programs and even among youth sports organizations.
After his concussion in London, Kincaid was seen wearing the collar regularly. Observations suggest it hasn’t caused discomfort or affected his performance. While detailed public data is still limited, the early signs are promising.
Conclusion & Takeaway
Dalton Kincaid’s neck gear, the Q-Collar, isn’t a fashion statement—it’s part of a shift toward safer football in the United States. For fans, athletes, and anyone who cares about player health, it’s a concrete sign that gear innovation is keeping pace with growing awareness of brain safety.
Takeaway:
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Watch for future NFL safety rules and whether collars like this spread to more levels of the sport.
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Parents of youth athletes should consider discussing protective options with coaches.
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Stay updated on medical studies about long-term outcomes of devices like this.
FAQs
What is a Q-Collar used for in the NFL?
It protects players’ brains by reducing movement inside the skull during impacts.
Is the Q-Collar safe?
Yes. It’s FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and designed for athletes aged 13 and up.
Do many NFL players wear the Q-Collar?
A growing number do, and Dalton Kincaid is among them.
Does it affect performance?
No strong evidence suggests it impairs performance. It’s lightweight and minimally intrusive.
Can youth athletes wear the Q-Collar?
Yes. It’s recommended for teenagers and older athletes, with proper fitting and approval from parents or coaches.