Shoulder pads incorporating a cervical spine protection device

A shoulder pad having a cervical spine protection system comprising:

• shoulder pads;
• a cervical spine protection device comprising
• a lower portion engaged with a user's shoulders;
• an upper portion designed for engagement with a user's helmet when an axial force is applied to a portion of the helmet, the upper portion having a front section, a rear section, and side sections, wherein the front section, rear section, and side sections of the upper portion have a top surface;
• a middle portion disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion;
• an outside portion shaped to engage with shoulder pads, wherein the outside portion comprises a substantially c-shaped design, with the lower portion and the upper portion extending laterally further than the middle portion away from the user's neck,
• an inside portion shaped to fit around a user's neck,
• wherein the top surface of the side sections of the upper portion has an apex that is higher than the top surface of the front section and the rear section when the cervical spine protection device is worn by a user,
• wherein the axial force applied to the top portion of the helmet is at least partially absorbed by the cervical spine protection device and at least partially directed away from a cervical spinal column of the user by the cervical spine protection device,
• wherein the cervical spine protection device allows extension of the head and neck during athletic movement, and
• wherein the upper surface of the cervical spine protection device is higher than the upper surface of the shoulder pads.

A shoulder pad having a cervical spine protection system comprising:

• shoulder pads;
• a cervical spine protection device comprising
• a lower portion engaged with a user's shoulders;
• an upper portion designed for engagement with a user's helmet when an axial force is applied to a portion of the helmet, the upper portion having a front section, a rear section, and side sections, wherein the front section, rear section, and side sections of the upper portion have a top surface;
• a middle portion disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion;
• an outside portion shaped to engage with shoulder pads, wherein the outside portion comprises a substantially c-shaped design, with the lower portion and the upper portion extending laterally further than the middle portion away from the user's neck,
• an inside portion shaped to fit around a user's neck,
• wherein the top surface of the side sections of the upper portion has an apex that is higher than the top surface of the front section and the rear section when the cervical spine protection device is worn by a user,
• wherein the axial force applied to the top portion of the helmet is at least partially absorbed by the cervical spine protection device and at least partially directed away from a cervical spinal column of the user by the cervical spine protection device,
• wherein the cervical spine protection device allows extension of the head and neck during athletic movement, and
• wherein the shoulder pads include a ventilation system comprising a plurality of holes to allow flow of air, the holes being approximately ¼ inch in diameter, and separated by approximately 1/16″ spacing between each hole, covering at least body arch members of the shoulder pad.