Okay, so the other day I was watching a Cowboys game, and I kept noticing this thing around Tony Pollard’s neck. It wasn’t a normal neck gaiter, it looked… thicker, more padded. I was like, “What IS that thing?” I couldn’t figure it out just by looking, and it was driving me nuts!

So, I grabbed my phone and started googling. First, I tried “Tony Pollard neck thing,” no luck. Then I tried “Cowboys running back neck protector.” Still nothing useful. I was getting a little frustrated, I mean, how hard could it be to find out what this thing was?
I decided to get more specific. I remembered seeing a close-up where it looked almost like a horse collar, so I searched for “Tony Pollard horse collar.” Bingo! That got me closer. I started seeing articles and discussions about NFL players wearing these things called “cowboy collars.”
Digging Deeper
I spent a good hour reading through forum posts and old articles. It turns out, a cowboy collar isn’t some newfangled invention. It’s a piece of protective equipment that’s been around for a while, designed to help prevent neck and shoulder injuries, like stingers. Apparently, they’re pretty popular with running backs and linebackers, guys who take a lot of hits.
I learned that these cowboy collars are basically padded rings that attach to the shoulder pads. They help stabilize the neck and limit the range of motion, especially during those jarring impacts. It’s like extra cushioning and support to help prevent whiplash-type injuries.
The Final Answer
So, after all that searching and reading, I finally figured it out. The thing Tony Pollard wears on his neck is a cowboy collar. It’s not just some fashion statement; it’s a real piece of protective gear to help keep him safe on the field. Pretty cool, huh? I feel so much better now that I’ve solved that little mystery. Next time I see him wearing it, I’ll know exactly what it is and why he’s wearing it. I also ordered one myself!