George Kittle Blasts NFL Over 7 World Cup Grass Conversions as 92% of Players Prefer Grass
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 26
George Kittle Blasts NFL Over 7 World Cup Grass Conversions as 92% of Players Prefer Grass
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 26
Summary
George Kittle accused the NFL of ignoring players' push for grass fields while seven league stadiums switch from turf to grass to meet FIFA's World Cup rules.
Kittle said the World Cup conversions prove grass is feasible if the league chooses to invest, echoing NFLPA data showing 92% of players prefer grass because it is easier on their bodies.
The NFL still does not plan to require natural grass, though it will give teams an approved field library before the 2026 season and require all venues to meet new surface standards within two years.
Dr. Allen Sills, the league's chief medical officer, has said injury and concussion data show no statistically significant differences by surface type, leaving the dispute centered on player preference versus league cost and maintenance concerns.