NFL Players Call for Permanent Natural Grass; League Has Not Responded and Seven Stadiums Will Revert to Synthetic Turf

Multiple NFL players posted on X on July 17 using the hashtag #WorthTheCost to advocate for permanent natural-grass playing surfaces in league stadiums. The posts came days before the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19. An NFLPA poll of more than 1,700 players found that 92 percent prefer natural grass, 6 percent have no preference, and 2 percent favor synthetic turf.

The union released a statement on June 10 stating that the temporary grass fields installed for the World Cup showed the technology and resources already exist. FIFA directed the installation of natural grass at 11 NFL stadiums hosting World Cup matches. Seven of those venues normally use synthetic turf for NFL games and will return to that surface after the tournament ends.

Washington Commanders offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil wrote that stadiums can make grass work for the World Cup and therefore for NFL players. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor posted that natural grass is not out of reach and that prioritizing players should not be either.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin stated that the cost of doing nothing is paid for by players' bodies.

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft noted that his team plays on the greatest surface in the NFL and that natural grass should be the only surface used. Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Doneiko Slaughter and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams posted that it is time to make grass fields the standard.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle issued a statement in June saying players know grass is better on their bodies and that the World Cup installations proved it is possible.

Fifteen NFL venues currently use natural grass and 15 use synthetic turf. The NFLPA said in its June statement that players who compete on the fields, help fund the stadiums, and generate league revenue deserve the same commitment shown for the World Cup.