NFLPA Criticizes MetLife Stadium Turf After Club World Cup Grass Installation

MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants and Jets, recently installed a natural grass surface ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a move required by FIFA and welcomed by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which has long advocated for grass fields due to safety concerns with artificial turf. The NFLPA, led by executive director Lloyd Howell, highlighted that 92% of players prefer grass, citing higher rates of non-contact lower extremity injuries on turf compared to natural surfaces. The change at MetLife reignited debates, especially after Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles on the stadium’s turf in 2023, intensifying calls for safer playing environments. Giants co-owner John Mara and Jets owner Woody Johnson have expressed concerns about the feasibility of maintaining grass permanently, citing weather, scheduling, and the stadium hosting two teams as challenges. Despite the temporary grass installation for FIFA events, the stadium plans to revert to turf for the NFL season, though MetLife will host 2026 World Cup matches requiring grass fields. The NFLPA’s sarcastic reaction to the temporary grass installation underscored ongoing player frustration with the league's reluctance to adopt permanent natural grass surfaces.