Calls Grow To Bring Back Grass as Turf Monster Claims Another NFL Star

"Between 2012 and 2018, the NFL's contact injury rate for lower extremities was 28 percent worse on AstroTurf. Non-contact injuries were 32 percent higher for knees and 69 percent higher for feet and ankles."

"Hours after Mr. Nabers was carted off the field during Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers, a former Giant, Odell Beckham Jr., posted a "Dear NFL" message on X. "We," he wrote of the NFL, "take all the precautions in the world with EVERYthing else when it comes to players 'health' and 'safety'." Mr. Beckham abbreviated "please" three times before saying, "Get rid of the," swearing emoji, "turf." MetLife, which he called "DeathLife," "has taken too many talented players away from the game." He allowed that "it's not ALL the turf's fault," but advocated more "research" to "at least ... start the discussion.""

Malik Nabers of the New York Giants tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee at MetLife Stadium on September 28, 2025, ending his season. MetLife Stadium uses artificial turf and has been the site of numerous severe lower-extremity injuries. Since 2020 at least 15 players have suffered ACL or Achilles injuries at MetLife, almost always season-ending. Between 2012 and 2018, NFL contact injury rates for lower extremities were 28 percent worse on AstroTurf, while non-contact knee injuries were 32 percent higher and foot and ankle injuries 69 percent higher. Former players and fans are calling for a return to natural grass and further research on turf safety.

Read at The New York Sun