NFL Players Advocate for Grass Playing Fields

After the World Cup has concluded, more NFL players are expressing their preference for grass playing surfaces. This increased vocalization follows the World Cup’s requirement for grass at venues, even as seven of the 11 U.S. venues share space with NFL stadiums using artificial turf.

FIFA mandates grass fields, leading the NFLPA to highlight the issue. They’ve joked about rolling out the “green carpet” for soccer but now stress that player safety is “#WorthTheCost.” Players like Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles echo this sentiment, questioning why it was possible for the World Cup but not the NFL.

“I think it’s going to be hard for them to argue against that because if you’re able to do it for the World Cup, it doesn’t make sense,” Barkley said. Despite acknowledging his need for more knowledge on the injury statistics between grass and turf, Barkley is clear on his preference. “I do prefer grass. I think the majority of players prefer grass.”

Barkley, who has faced serious injuries on grass, still voices his preference. Even with a history of injuries, including a torn ACL in Chicago in 2020, he and many others prefer grass. Barkley achieved a 2,000-yard season with the Eagles, who play on grass.

Currently, half of the league’s stadiums use artificial turf. Despite NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell noting that 92% of players favor grass, turf is popular for its cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. Stadiums hosting diverse events find turf practical.

Last year, plans were revealed to provide each team with a collection of approved NFL fields by the 2026 season. Both grass and synthetic fields will adhere to these standards, yet there’s no mandate for natural grass fields in new installations.

Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s chief medical officer, states there are no significant differences in lower-extremity injury rates between surface types. This contradicts player preferences and complaints, especially about fields like MetLife Stadium, home to both the New York Giants and Jets.