John Wawrow, Associated Press
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen expressed a preference for natural grass over artificial turf as the team prepares for its first regular-season game at the new Highmark Stadium. Allen highlighted the physical discomfort he has experienced from artificial turf, stating, "I've gotten numerous, numerous burns on my legs from artificial turf, to the point I can't sleep at night because it's bubbling over. It's very painful." He added, "If I could snap my fingers and make every field grass, that's what I would do for sure."
The debate over playing surfaces in the NFL has intensified, especially after FIFA mandated the conversion of several NFL stadiums from turf to grass for the World Cup, only for the NFL to revert to artificial surfaces for the football season. NFL players and their union favor natural grass, questioning why the league's owners do not follow suit. 49ers defensive lineman Nick Bosa remarked, "It's a little bizarre, but what can you expect?"
Financial considerations play a significant role in the choice of playing surfaces. While the NFL does not disclose specific costs, it is generally understood that artificial turf is less expensive than natural grass, which requires ongoing maintenance and resodding. NFL grass fields typically last about seven events, while artificial fields have a lifespan of three to seven years.
Despite the trend towards artificial surfaces, players continue to advocate for grass. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor emphasized the importance of prioritizing player safety, posting on social media, "Natural grass isn't out of reach. Prioritizing players shouldn't be either!"
This season, 16 of the NFL's 30 facilities will feature grass, including Green Bay's Lambeau Field, which consists of 95% grass reinforced with polyethylene fibers. Among the 18 NFL facilities constructed since 2000, 11 have artificial surfaces, with recent switches to turf by teams in Carolina and Tennessee. The choice of surface appears to be influenced more by financial factors than by geographic considerations, as evidenced by the presence of grass fields in six of the NFL's seven coldest markets and all three Florida-based teams.
Nick Pappas, the NFL's director of field surfaces, noted that advancements in turf technology have significantly improved since the days of AstroTurf, which was a thinly padded carpet over concrete. The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) are collaborating with turf manufacturers to establish standards for surfaces based on player feedback and testing metrics. By 2028, all facilities must meet a series of standardized requirements for both playing and practice surfaces, including minimum standards for impact and traction.
Pappas stated, "The goal is that we take the emotions out of the material makeup. What the composition of the field is should only be secondary to how the field performs." Previously, compliance with field composition guidelines was easier, leading teams to choose turf based on cost. Now, manufacturers must present their products for testing before certification.
The NFL has reported no significant difference in injury rates between artificial turf and grass over the past three seasons, with last season's lower-extremity injury rate being half of the average from 2018-2022. However, both players and some NFL owners express a preference for grass. Raiders managing general partner Mark Davis cited player safety as a reason for installing grass in their indoor facility.
In Buffalo, owner Terry Pegula considered installing natural grass in the old facility but opted to wait for the new stadium. The Bills have faced challenges with their grass field, including the need to resod after divots appeared following two preseason games and practices. The team is expected to resod the field at least once more before the season concludes.
Pappas described the process as one of trial and error, noting that the grass did not perform as expected initially. He stated, "They'll continue to adapt and make adjustments as they need to. ... And I do anticipate things will continue to improve."
The NFLPA praised the Bills for their commitment to installing grass despite the associated costs. Bills President Pete Guelli emphasized the importance of prioritizing player safety, stating, "I understand the economics of why people want an artificial turf field. But if you're really putting your players first, there's no other choice but grass."
AP Pro Football Writers Josh Dubow, Rob Maaddi, Teresa M. Walker and Dennis Waszak Jr., and AP Sports Writers Mark Anderson and Will Graves contributed to this report.