NFL players continue push for grass fields on heels of World Cup
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Ahead of the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, numerous NFL players, including Caleb Williams and Laremy Tunsil, used the hashtag #WorthTheCost to advocate for permanent natural grass playing surfaces in NFL stadiums.
- MetLife Stadium and 10 other NFL venues temporarily replaced artificial turf with natural grass for the World Cup, highlighting the feasibility of grass fields for major events.
- The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) emphasized that 92% of NFL players prefer natural grass and criticized team owners for not making permanent grass installations despite the successful World Cup setups.
- Players like Zaire Franklin and George Kittle stressed that natural grass is better for player health and urged the NFL to prioritize investing in grass fields to protect athletes' bodies.
- The NFL has not publicly responded to the players' social media campaign or the NFLPA's call for permanent grass surfaces as of the World Cup final weekend.
