The NFLPA issued a “reminder that the owners will give players in a different sport the surface that NFL players almost uniformly prefer” as 11 NFL stadiums that have artificial turf for football will be installing high-quality natural grass for the FIFA World Cup, according to Mike Florio of PRO FOOTBALL TALK. The NFLPA on X posted, “NFL players have spent years advocating for safer, high-quality grass fields at their place of work, but when the World Cup is over, most of these stadiums will revert back to turf for the NFL season. Our players deserve workplaces that prioritize their preference, protect them against the weekly wear and tear of the game, and support their long-term health and performance.” Florio noted the NFL’s position is that the “injury rate on grass and on turf are the same.” But that “overlooks the reality that players strongly prefer grass, regardless of injury rates.” NFL owners who are hosting World Cup games installed grass fields “because FIFA demanded it.” When it comes to NFL games, “they have a choice.” Many are “still choosing a surface that is cheaper to maintain and easier to handle when it’s time to generate revenue through other events.” Now, it is a “collective bargaining issue.” The owners will be “inclined to hold the line on the current number of artificial turf fields, because the players want grass.” But to get grass, they will “need to give up something else” (PRO FOOTBALL TALK, 5/11).
NFLPA criticizes stadiums changing playing surface just for World Cup
