Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips calls for NFL stadiums to switch to real grass
Harrison Phillips said he wants NFL teams to use natural grass after seeing it installed at MetLife Stadium for the World Cup. The veteran defensive tackle pointed to player safety and better play as reasons for the change.
New York Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips joined other NFL players in calling for stadiums to use real grass after the switch at MetLife Stadium for the World Cup.
Phillips posted on social media that he noticed the natural grass field put in for the tournament. He said it looked great and performed well.
"We need to get on this as a league," Phillips wrote. He added that real grass is better for players' bodies and leads to a better product on the field.
The MetLife Stadium grass was installed ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host. FIFA requires natural grass for its matches.
Many NFL players have complained about artificial turf for years. They say it increases the risk of injuries compared to natural grass.
The NFL has 30 stadiums with artificial surfaces and two with natural grass. Teams in colder climates often prefer turf because it holds up better in bad weather.
Phillips, 29, is in his seventh NFL season. He started all 17 games for the Jets last year and recorded 52 tackles.
Other players echoed his comments online. Some pointed to recent high-profile injuries that happened on turf.
League officials have said they study the issue every year. They note that turf allows for more consistent play in rain and snow.
The change at MetLife came after months of work. Crews removed the old turf and laid new sod in time for the international matches.
Phillips said he hopes the success of the World Cup grass pushes the NFL to make a wider switch.
Go Deeper
Why do so many NFL players want real grass?
Players say natural grass is softer on joints and reduces serious injuries like ACL tears. Turf gets harder over time and in cold weather, which can lead to more pain and longer recovery after games.
How many NFL stadiums already use real grass?
Only two teams play on natural grass right now. The rest use artificial turf. Teams in places with harsh winters often stick with turf because it drains better and stays playable in snow.
What is FIFA's rule on grass for the World Cup?
FIFA requires natural grass for all World Cup matches. That's why MetLife Stadium switched from its usual turf to real sod for the tournament games in 2026.
Has the NFL studied the turf versus grass issue?
Yes. League officials review injury data and field conditions each season. They say both surfaces have trade-offs, but they continue to look at ways to improve safety for players.
What did Harrison Phillips say exactly?
He posted that the grass at MetLife looked amazing and played great. He called on the NFL to follow the lead and switch more stadiums to real grass for better player health and on-field performance.
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