George Kittle expressed his support for permanent grass fields in NFL stadiums, according to Yahoo Sports. The San Francisco 49ers tight end’s comments stem from the recent transition of 11 NFL venues to natural grass for the 2026 World Cup, held in various locations across the United States.
What happened
Amid the excitement of the 2026 World Cup, George Kittle turned to social media to share his views on the grass field at SoFi Stadium, saying, “Also this grass looks great on Sofi’s field… wonder if we could get that all season.” Kittle’s remark highlights the discussion around field surfaces as both soccer and football teams utilize the same venues for their games.
SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California, is one of 11 NFL stadiums hosting World Cup matches this year. Seven of these stadiums traditionally use synthetic turf as their primary playing surface. However, all are currently utilizing natural grass that FIFA installed for the tournament. Kittle, along with other NFL players, has voiced concerns about the safety and performance differences between turf and grass.[3]
“We’ve made it clear that we prefer grass fields,” Kittle stated. “We know it’s better on our bodies.”
Why it matters
The debate over field surfaces gains urgency as the World Cup showcases the potential for grass fields, raising questions about player safety and injury risks associated with artificial turf. A survey by the NFL Players Association found 92% of players prefer playing on grass, indicating a strong preference among athletes for natural surfaces.[1]
Jermaine Eluemunor of the New York Giants expressed frustration regarding the NFL’s choice of surfaces, calling the switch to grass for the World Cup “a kind of sucky feeling.” Players have emphasized that prioritizing their health should lead to a reevaluation of field choices by league officials.
Background
On May 27, 2026, the opening matches of the World Cup featured several NFL venues, leading to the installation of grass fields across 11 stadiums. This significant change allowed for a greater focus on player health compared to many NFL fields that have relied on synthetic turf. The ongoing debate about turf versus grass has significantly intensified in light of recent developments.[2]
This issue is not new. Players have been expressing concerns about turf’s impact on injuries for years, a sentiment that gained media attention ahead of the World Cup. With high-profile players like Kittle speaking out, there is increased pressure on the NFL to consider transitioning to grass fields permanently.
What’s next
As the World Cup progresses, the NFL Players Association plans to continue advocating for grass fields, hoping to influence future decisions about playing surfaces. The NFL has yet to announce if it will permanently switch to grass following the World Cup.
