NFL Players Overwhelmingly Support Playing All Games On Grass Fields, Banning Turf

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One of the big topics of debate throughout this NFL season was the league playing on mostly turf fields as opposed to grass. Many players openly stated that they don't like the turf fields and cited increased injury risk.

The NFLPA polled its members and found that an overwhelming majority (92%) of players want the league to move to grass fields over turf. 

Several prominent players suffered major injuries this season, with many people blaming the turf fields. The most notable was the Achilles tear for New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his first series with the team. MetLife Stadium is an open-air venue with a turf playing surface – like many NFL stadiums. 

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) sits on the field after a sack by Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd (not pictured) at MetLife Stadium. Rodgers left the game with an injury after the play.

(Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports)

More NFL stadiums feature turf (15) over natural grass (13). Turf is generally cheaper and much easier to maintain. However, for a league like the NFL that pulls in billions of dollars per year, most players think it can easily make the switch. 

In fact, America is hosting the 2026 World Cup, with several NFL stadiums set to host games. Those stadiums will use grass fields for the World Cup games before switching back to turf for the NFL contests. 

Thus, it's pretty clear that the league COULD move to grass, it just chooses not to do so. 

"It's not rocket science. Ninety-two percent of our union wants grass," NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell said Wednesday, according to ESPN. "That's compelling. The bottom line is, it's unquestionable that our union wants to have working conditions where they play on grass."

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) is driven off the field after an apparent injury during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

(Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports)

"Turf has stayed relatively consistent at an injury rate over the last decade," NFLPA president JC Tretter added. "Grass this year has its highest injury rate over the last decade, but it was still lower than the injury rate on turf. So, the worst performing year on grass is still better than turf this year."

With the NFL very focused on player safety lately, this seems like a pretty easy win for the league. Switching to grass placates the players and continues to deliver the illusion that the league truly cares about player safety. 

It doesn't, of course, but it has to pretend that it does. 

What's more important, NFL, money or safety? 

If you're really into this thing you claim to be into, put your money where your mouth is. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.