SPORTS

In Buffalo and elsewhere, NFL players find grass to be the better choice over artificial turf

PUBLISHED Sep 15, 2026, 11:58 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 18

Left 17%

Center 72%

Right 11%

Sources: 18

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and NFL players across the league are advocating for natural grass playing surfaces over artificial turf due to physical strain and injury risks. Allen highlighted the severe turf burns and body wear caused by artificial fields, expressing a strong preference for natural grass across all league venues. The debate intensifies as the Buffalo Bills prepare for regular-season play at their new Highmark Stadium facility. NFL players and the NFL Players Association overwhelmingly favor natural surfaces, referencing FIFA's mandate that converted seven NFL stadiums from artificial turf to grass for World Cup matches. However, NFL team owners continue to utilize artificial turf primarily due to economic factors. Turf surfaces offer lower long-term maintenance costs and higher durability for multi-use venues compared to natural grass, which typically lasts around seven events before requiring resodding. The issue remains a key friction point between athlete safety demands and venue operational expenses.

By Noormahi M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 2023 players union renewed demands for grass.
On November 2023 Aaron Rodgers injury reignited field debate.
On June 2026 FIFA mandated natural grass for World Cup.
On July 2026 venue operators converted seven stadiums grass.
On August 2026 stadiums switched back to artificial turf.
On September 2026 Josh Allen criticized artificial turf surfaces.
On September 2026 Nick Bosa questioned team owner decisions.
On September 2026 NFLPA continued advocacy for natural grass.
On October 1 2026 NFLPA to table field standards during upcoming union meetings.
On March 1 2027 NFL owners to review venue surface maintenance cost reports.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Heightened debate over athlete health and stadium playing field safety.
Possible long-term US impact: Potential future player union mandates for natural grass field installations.
Most affected groups: NFL players, team owners, stadium operations managers, and groundskeepers.
Reader priority: Focus on official NFLPA statements and stadium surface safety reports.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 18
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 3
Neutral:: 13

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes worker safety, corporate owner greed, and health standards. Center: Details player preferences, injury concerns, and stadium maintenance costs. Right: Highlights business logistics, multi-use revenue needs, and stadium economics.