Frustration has been boiling over artificial turf in the NFL – and add Josh Allen to the list of those who have had enough.
Allen, the 2024 MVP, revealed in a press conference that he suffered brutal burns on his legs thanks to the artificial turf that is a massive cost saver for billionaire team owners.
“I think grass is healthier for our bodies,” Allen told reporters. “I’m to a point in my career now that when we practice inside on the artificial, I feel it the next day. When I’m out there [on grass], I feel great. I think any guy that was honest would tell you that’s how they feel.”
NFL stadiums were forced to import grass into their stadiums for this year’s World Cup, but much to the dismay of NFL players, teams that had turf before the global event reimported turf once again.
Sixteen of the league’s 32 teams utilize turf instead of real grass, mostly as a cost-saving measure and even income generator, as the stadiums can easily host concerts and other events without the upkeep that grass requires.
The Giants/Jets, Falcons, Panthers, Bengals, Cowboys, Lions, Texans, Colts, Chargers/Rams, Vikings, Patriots and Saints all have turf fields.
Multiple players have complained about injuries suffered as a result of playing on turf compared to grass, as cleats can get stuck in the turf during contact and can force ligaments to bend improperly and tear.
Some of the league’s biggest stars have been vocal advocates of grass, including George Kittle, Caleb Williams and Jonathan Taylor.
Many blame Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in 2023 on MetLife Stadium’s turf.
“I think it’s healthier injury prevention,” Allen said. “I’ve gotten numerous burns on my legs from artificial turf to the point where I can’t sleep at night because it’s boiling over. It’s very painful.”
Allen added that he’s happy that he does not have to deal with this at his home venue, as the Bills have real grass at their new Highmark Stadium.
“If I could snap my finger and make every team field grass, that’s what I would do for sure,“ Allen said.
Among those in favor of turf is billionaire Cowboy owner Jerry Jones, who said there’s “no belief that it’s any safer to play on a grass field or a turf.”
AT&T Stadium in Dallas is one of the largest venues in the country, hosting a large variety of events from boxing matches (including Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson) to concerts and much more.
AT&T Stadium did move to grass for the World Cup at FIFA’s request, but has moved back to turf for the NFL season.
