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The transition from grass fields to artificial turf across the NFL has long been a controversial subject, and the debate is being brought back to the forefront of conversations about the league this offseason, as NFL stadiums across the nation are currently in use for the FIFA World Cup, which requires grass fields. Stadiums have taken the necessary step to provide grass fields, with transportable, custom-made fields installed at each stadium.
Many NFL players would also prefer to play on a grass field, even though the league and its owners seem to prefer turf because of the maintenance and upkeep required for grass. Seeing these stadiums forced to make accommodations to host World Cup action at their facilities has some players, such as veteran tight end and San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle, sharing their opinions on the subject.
"We've made it clear that we prefer grass fields. We know it's better on our bodies, and clearly, we know it's possible based on everything that went into putting down grass fields for the World Cup at each stadium," Kittle said. "At this point, it comes down to the NFL making it a priority and choosing to invest in us as players, because our bodies are our business, which they get to capitalize on."
Kittle has missed time due to multiple injuries over the years, including knee and calf injuries in previous seasons, and a torn Achilles tendon in 2025. While not all of these can be fully attributed to turf, there is always the lingering question of how many lower-body injuries could be prevented by a switch back to grass fields.
A change on the subject likely isn't coming soon, and if it ever does, it would likely be a lengthy process to revert the fields solely to grass, as it would be an expensive endeavor. And as mentioned before, the idea of shifting back to grass will likely continue to see pushback from owners due to the constant upkeep it requires.
Inclement weather will always make grass a riskier choice for a playing surface. But with the grass temporarily down for the World Cup, players are making their case again.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: George Kittle makes pitch for NFL to use grass fields amidst World Cup
Continue reading...
Many NFL players would also prefer to play on a grass field, even though the league and its owners seem to prefer turf because of the maintenance and upkeep required for grass. Seeing these stadiums forced to make accommodations to host World Cup action at their facilities has some players, such as veteran tight end and San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle, sharing their opinions on the subject.
"We've made it clear that we prefer grass fields. We know it's better on our bodies, and clearly, we know it's possible based on everything that went into putting down grass fields for the World Cup at each stadium," Kittle said. "At this point, it comes down to the NFL making it a priority and choosing to invest in us as players, because our bodies are our business, which they get to capitalize on."
Kittle has missed time due to multiple injuries over the years, including knee and calf injuries in previous seasons, and a torn Achilles tendon in 2025. While not all of these can be fully attributed to turf, there is always the lingering question of how many lower-body injuries could be prevented by a switch back to grass fields.
A change on the subject likely isn't coming soon, and if it ever does, it would likely be a lengthy process to revert the fields solely to grass, as it would be an expensive endeavor. And as mentioned before, the idea of shifting back to grass will likely continue to see pushback from owners due to the constant upkeep it requires.
Inclement weather will always make grass a riskier choice for a playing surface. But with the grass temporarily down for the World Cup, players are making their case again.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: George Kittle makes pitch for NFL to use grass fields amidst World Cup
Continue reading...
