Injuries on the field during NFL games have sparked a debate about the use of artificial turf. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has a grass field, was criticized by the Buffalo Bills for its artificial pitch. Colts QB Anthony Richardson suffered knee, head, and shoulder injuries on fake turf, raising questions about whether softer grass would have helped. The issue of artificial turf in the NFL is not new, but it may be accelerated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will require grass to be installed in seven of the 15 NFL stadiums with turf. Despite injury concerns from players, most college football stadiums use artificial turf due to costly upkeep and less-than-ideal weather conditions. However, ESPN's investigation found that the issue of switching to all grass fields is complicated.
Whether it’s injuries to Aaron Rodgers, Travis Kelce or Anthony Richardson, calls for the NFL to ditch artificial turf and switch to all grass fields grow louder. But as ESPN discovered… it’s complicated. https://t.co/70ZX9SbUdt
The NFL's turf controversy is nothing new — but it may be accelerated even more by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fifteen NFL stadiums have turf, but seven of those are hosting World Cup matches, which will require grass to be installed. On the NFL's turf war »
Common denominator for Colts QB Anthony Richardson's knee, head & shoulder injuries: all slammed off fake turf. Two at home, one on same surface in Houston. Would softer grass have helped? NFL owners like Jim Irsay can't avoid the issue, or cost, anymore. https://t.co/xrbpB62vcK
Artificial Turf should not be in the NFL. Luckily, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts was able to walk away without a serious injury after this play 🙏 https://t.co/V7sEXyitOf
Costly upkeep and less-than-ideal weather have led most college football stadiums to use artificial turf despite injury concerns from players. By @ralphDrussoAP: https://t.co/hwO1LSrWuC https://t.co/4l0FZtvylA
Cool, more bad turf in the NFL
"There were injuries on the field today, some really, really bad. I just feel like the turf has something to do with it." Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has a grass field. But the NFL doesn't use it. The Bills weren't thrilled with the artificial pitch. https://t.co/2u2bFGAZFX
"There were injuries on the field today, some really, really bad. I just feel like the turf has something to do with it." Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has a grass field. But the NFL doesn't use it. The Bills weren't thrilled with the artificial pitch. https://t.co/ePz6L1EGfW