World Cup grass switch reignites NFL turf row in the United States | OneFootball

Seven NFL venues installed natural grass for the World Cup. Twelve days after Spain’s triumph, most have reverted to artificial surfaces, and the turf debate has reignited. According to L’Équipe, all 11 host stadiums are returning to American football use.

Players, who have long urged an end to synthetic turf still used in 15 of the 30 NFL stadiums, seized on the switch. Using the Worth the cost hashtag, they argued that if grass can be laid for the World Cup, it can be laid for them.

The NFL Players Association says 92% of players prefer natural grass and calls synthetic more punishing on the body. It cites data suggesting non-contact lower-limb injuries are 28% more frequent on turf, and 69% for foot and ankle. The league disputes this.

Sports scientist Jean-Benoit Morin cautions that studies do not yet prove synthetic fields increase injury risk, noting a causal link has not been demonstrated. He and former NFL player Philippe Gardent add that grass absorbs force differently, while artificial surfaces are harder and return more energy.

Morin also highlights week-to-week surface changes that demand adaptations some cannot tolerate. Gardent says joint pain can linger and that players used to turf cope better than those mainly on grass.

Owners cite climate and roof constraints, the union counters that some teams maintain grass despite such limits. Synthetic is cheaper, more resilient for stadium events and, Gardent says, more telegenic. Hybrid pitches could be a compromise, though change looks unlikely before the 2030 CBA.

Source: L'Équipe