The 2026 FIFA World Cup showcased a significant transformation in stadiums across the United States, prompting NFL players to advocate for a permanent switch from artificial turf to natural grass. As players observed the successful implementation of grass fields at venues like MetLife Stadium and SoFi Stadium, they began to express their desire for similar changes in the NFL.

George Kittle, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, emerged as a vocal proponent of this transition, stating that if NFL owners truly cared about player welfare, they could easily maintain natural grass fields year-round. He believes that 90% of players would prefer grass, a sentiment echoed by numerous stars during the World Cup final.

Prominent players supporting this movement include:

• Caleb Williams (Bears QB)
• Jonathan Taylor (Colts RB)
• Laremy Tunsil (Commanders OT)
• Devin Lloyd (Panthers LB)
• Tucker Kraft (Packers TE)

The crux of the argument for natural grass lies in player safety. Data from 2012-18 reveals a 28% higher rate of non-contact lower-extremity injuries on turf compared to grass. Notably, injuries at MetLife Stadium have raised concerns, with several high-profile players suffering serious lower-body injuries on its artificial surface.

Transitioning to natural grass, however, poses challenges. The process involves significant labor and resources, as demonstrated by the weeks-long effort to convert MetLife Stadium's field. Despite these hurdles, the World Cup proved that maintaining high-quality grass is feasible, even in demanding environments like indoor stadiums.

Kittle argues that investing in natural grass fields is a reasonable request, given the NFL's financial resources. The call for change continues to gain momentum as players emphasize the importance of safety and player well-being.