Why Michael Sowers Trusts Q-Collar

For professional lacrosse star Michael Sowers, the game has never been just a sport — it’s his identity. But after sustaining several head injuries early in his pro career, Sowers reached a turning point.

If he wanted to continue playing the game at the highest level, he needed to find every possible way to better protect his brain.

That’s when he turned to the Q-Collar.

Sowers first noticed the device in 2021 while watching games during his recovery. Seeing respected veterans like Jesse Bernhardt wearing it sparked his curiosity. After connecting with Q-Collar’s team and learning the science behind it — how it applies light pressure to the jugular veins that increases blood volume in the skull — he decided to try it for himself.

“I was going to do everything I possibly could to keep my brain safe,” Sowers said. “I’ve been super blessed to avoid injuries for most of my career, except head injuries. I knew I had to take this seriously.”

GAMEDAY FIT

Sowers wondered how the device would feel and whether it might affect his performance. “I was a little worried,” he admitted. “Is it going to sit on my neck weird? Is it going to affect my breathing? My movement?”

But those worries faded almost immediately.

“After a couple days training with it, you forget it’s even there,” he said. “It’s like putting on gloves or a helmet. It becomes part of your equipment.”

EFFECTIVE RESPONSE

The Q-Collar does not prevent concussions. No equipment can make that promise. But what stands out to Sowers is how he feels after taking the routine, high-impact hits that come with his fearless playing style. “Now I walk off the field and don’t feel as fuzzy,” he said. “I could tell it was doing something.”

That feeling — combined with zero downside — is why Sowers continues to wear it and recommends it to young athletes and their parents. “Even if it helps marginally, why wouldn’t you wear it?” he said. “You don’t notice it.”

STAYING ON THE FIELD

With a packed schedule and the Olympic movement ahead, Sowers knows his availability matters most. The Q-Collar has become a key part of how he stays ready, healthy and able to compete at the highest level.

LEARN MORE

For more info, visit q30.com.

The Q-Collar is a non-invasive device intended to be worn around the neck of athletes ages 13 and older during sports activities to aid in the protection of the brain from effects associated with repetitive sub-concussive head impacts.

This content is sponsored by Q-Collar. The views and claims expressed are those of Q-Collar and do not necessarily reflect the views of USA Lacrosse.