NFL players are pushing for a return to grass fields on the back of what appeared to be a pretty serious injury to New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Monday night.
What was supposed to be a showdown between two of the league’s best quarterbacks was marred by the former Packers star getting forced off the field on his first drive.
Rodgers is suspected to have a torn Achilles as his foot appeared to get stuck in the turf before he was tackled, resulting in his calf buckling.
This is the latest of several injuries to have taken place at MetLife Stadium over the last few years, with the likes of Sterling Shepard, Nick Bosa, Solomon Thomas, and Jimmy Garoppolo among players who have sustained lower-body injuries on the artificial turf at said venue.
Various players have voiced their opinions on the turf since Monday night’s unfortunate incident, pointing out that stadiums have grass put in for soccer events.
Congrats @nfl. How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??! You care more about soccer players than us,” A-Rod’s former Packers teammate David Bakhtiari tweeted. “You plan to remove all artificial turf for the World Cup coming up. So clearly it’s feasible. I’m sick of this..Do better!”
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The offensive tackle wants a switch to grass as he reckons it will help prevent such injuries.
You can see some other reactions from players here:
The frustration around the league is not unfounded. The NFLPA revealed statistics from last season earlier this year that suggest non-contact injuries are more likely to happen on artificial turf as opposed to grass.
