Seven NFL stadiums have temporarily converted to grass fields to host World Cup matches, reigniting a long-standing debate over player safety and field quality. New York Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle have publicly criticized the league for prioritizing artificial turf despite player preferences.
Eluemunor, who has played on turf for nearly a decade, called grass 'way better' and questioned why the NFL doesn't adopt it full-time. Kittle, recovering from an Achilles injury sustained on grass, argued that the World Cup conversions prove the NFL could switch to grass if it prioritized player health. The NFLPA has long advocated for grass, citing player safety, while the league has maintained turf for cost and maintenance reasons.
The seven stadiums hosting World Cup matches include MetLife, SoFi, and AT&T Stadium. The NFL has announced plans to standardize field approvals by 2026, but no full transition to grass has been confirmed. Players like former lineman Andrew Whitworth acknowledge the turf debate but note that grass is widely preferred for performance and injury prevention.