NFL Must Replace Artificial Turf with Natural Grass to ...

The season for the New York Jets has come to an unexpected end.

Despite achieving a victory against the Buffalo Bills on September 11, this marks the final week they will hold the top position. This unfortunate reality is not due to any foul play but rather the subpar turf at MetLife Stadium. Early in the first quarter, following just four plays, quarterback Aaron Rodgers experienced a devastating Achilles injury after being sacked by a Bills defender.

While casual fans might blame the player responsible for the tackle, avid NFL followers recognize a much larger issue: numerous NFL arenas are forcing players to compete on artificial turf.

The cushions of synthetic turf diminish an athlete's ability to absorb impact forces effectively. In recent years, there has been mounting pressure to enhance player protection. It's bewildering that the connection between artificial turf and injuries has only gained recognition over the past two or three years.

The NFL asserts its commitment to advancing player safety, stating its dedication to improving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of sports-related injuries.

Although artificial turf may resemble perfectly manicured grass, it is fundamentally different from natural grass fields. Instead of genuine grass, turf is composed of nylon blades designed to mimic the appearance of grass while avoiding the extensive upkeep required for a well-maintained lawn.

Beneath the nylon blades, rubber pellets serve to cushion the surface. When players make quick movements, their joints bear the full force of impact due to the turf's decreased flexibility compared to natural grass.

Currently, 17 out of 32 NFL teams rely on artificial turf across 15 different stadiums. This means that more than half the league subjects its athletes to synthetic surfaces for at least eight competitive games per season.

The NFL employs the Clegg test, a measurement system for assessing the hardness and overall playability of the field surfaces. Recently, Bank of America Stadium failed a Clegg test prior to a Lions-Panthers game on December 24. Following this, players reached out to the Players Association, likening the turf's rigidity to concrete.

This raises the question: Why is the NFL so hesitant to standardize natural grass across all stadiums?

Replacing the 15 synthetic fields with natural grass is estimated to cost the league about $12 million. For the average American, that figure could supply a lifetime of financial security. However, for the NFL, this represents a mere drop in the bucket, as the most recent revenue figure approaches $12 billion. It's crucial for franchise owners to prioritize player safety over profit motives.

NFL players are distinctly vocal regarding their stance on the artificial turf versus natural grass debate, overwhelmingly advocating for the installation of real grass fields to mitigate the ongoing injuries that plague the league each season.

In the NFL season, a notable incident occurred during Week 7 between the Chargers and Seahawks, where two prominent players sustained knee injuries while playing on the synthetic turf of SoFi Stadium.

DK Metcalf, the star receiver for the Seahawks, suffered a knee injury upon landing awkwardly, causing his foot to slip on the artificial surface.

To learn more, Lvyi.

Similar to Rodgers, Metcalf had to be carted off for further assessment. Fortunately, Metcalf's injury was minor, whereas Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson experienced a more severe outcome, rupturing a tendon in his knee and subsequently missing the rest of the season.

While it's impossible to predict whether these injuries would have occurred on natural grass, one significant takeaway is that both injuries were lower-body, non-contact incidents.

In a revealing article about turf's impact on players, former NFL center and current president of the Players Association, JC Tretter, highlighted that players face a 28% increased risk of non-contact lower extremity injuries on artificial turf.

Current players also contribute to this critical discussion, making their views known through social media platforms.

David Bakhtiari, an offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, expressed his frustration on X following an incident witnessed by 13 million viewers during Monday Night Football.

“Congrats @NFL. How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??! You care more about soccer players than us. You plan to remove all artificial turf for the World Cup coming up. So clearly it’s feasible. I’m sick of this. Do better!”

Bakhtiari alludes to the FIFA World Cup scheduled to occur in North America. Of the 16 stadiums that will host soccer matches, 11 are also home to NFL teams. FIFA has mandated that all matches take place on natural grass, demanding that the seven stadiums with turf replace it ahead of the tournament.

This leads one to question: Why are substandard playing conditions on turf acceptable for NFL players but unacceptable for soccer athletes who will compete on natural grass in three years?

In an ideal football environment, every play in the NFL would occur on natural grass, eliminating preventable injuries, corporate greed, and the use of artificial turf.

What is the cost of artificial turf/synthetic grass?

One of the most common inquiries potential clients have is regarding the cost of FieldTurf. Prices differ based on region, product, and the specific sport the turf will serve. The majority of our artificial turf installations cater to football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and field hockey.

To provide a general estimate, the initial investment for a synthetic turf football field can be broken down into two components:

Drainage Base

The drainage base consists of compacted stone materials placed underneath the turf surface, ensuring a level area that allows rainwater to pass through to the drainage system.

For a standard full-sized football or soccer field, you should allocate approximately $4 per square foot for the drainage base.

The lifespan of drainage bases typically ranges from 20 to 30 years, equating to the lifetime of two to three turf fields.

Turf

The turf panels (carpet) are installed atop the drainage base, with infill materials layered within the carpet to enhance grip for athletes and provide protection against the stone base beneath.

For standard size football or soccer turf fields, a conservative estimate of $5.00 per square foot should be considered. Such fields typically span around 80,000 square feet.

For an in-depth breakdown of costs and expected returns, please consult our Cost Analysis page.

Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your requirements regarding Sports Artificial Turf. Our knowledgeable sales team is ready to help you explore the best options available.