NFL Turf Debate Sparks Renewed Discussions on Grass Fields Amid World Cup Preparations
As ESPN’s Jordan Raanan recently pointed out, several NFL stadiums are set to have new grass fields installed for FIFA World Cup matches scheduled later this summer.
Players in the NFL have often expressed a preference for natural grass over turf surfaces, which have been associated with non-contact injuries. Despite this, many believe team owners opt for less expensive playing surfaces to minimize maintenance costs for all-grass fields throughout the season.
In a piece published Thursday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US discussed how the ongoing turf-versus-grass debates surrounding the World Cup might influence the league’s ambitions to extend the regular season to 18 games as early as next year.
Will players get grass fields in return for agreeing to an 18-game season?
“Sources close to NFL owners are adamant that the league will consider many options that previously were considered non-starters, like players having easier access to universal health care after their careers, and if the (NFL Players Association) were to prioritize mandatory natural surfaces as a key tenet of those talks, some league sources believe it is not out of the realm of possibility they get it,” La Canfora wrote about discussions between the NFL and the union regarding expanding the regular season.
La Canfora highlighted that the current collective bargaining agreement, which is in effect until 2030, requires the NFLPA to agree to any expansion of the regular season. Criticism of turf surfaces has become a recurring theme during NFL seasons, particularly aimed at the surface used at MetLife Stadium—home to both the New York Giants and the New York Jets—for its alleged role in players sustaining torn ACLs, including Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers.
During a recent episode of the “Not Just Football” podcast hosted by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, NFLPA executive director JC Tretter emphasized the union’s desire for “good grass fields” for games.
“…If you ask every player that we polled, 1,700 players, 92% say they want grass over turf,” Tretter explained. “There is something about the feeling of being on grass, the body feels different. I think if you ask the coaches, just standing on grass vs. standing on turf for three hours feels different. There is something there that impacts the body.”
What will owners give players to get to 18 games?
Earlier in May, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft notably suggested that transitioning to an 18-game season by 2027 is not guaranteed.
“There is a very strong appetite for the 18th game,” a source familiar with NFL team owners told La Canfora, “and I anticipate the league being very open-minded about the requests and priorities the union presents.”
Given the circumstances, the World Cup may present an opportunity for players to secure a significant victory, should they agree to the anticipated establishment of an 18-game season in the NFL.