The 2026 NFL season is now just weeks away from getting underway, but Roger Goodell is witnessing a mass protest from some of the players.
Having witnessed the World Cup transform stadiums across the United States into soccer-friendly venues, numerous NFL players are demanding the grass fields are kept.
There has been mass concern from players that the significant number of NFL injuries to players’ knee ligaments and Achilles is largely down to the artificial surfaces being used.
Although Travis Kelce has not suffered an ACL injury before in the NFL, he has witnessed a number of friends and teammates ruled out for months because of them.
His brother Jason Kelce suffered an MCL and ACL injury during his illustrious career, which has now seen the brothers share their stance on the ongoing field debacle.
Travis and Jason Kelce take aim at NFL chiefs ahead of 2026 season
The Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has already said he won’t keep a grass field due to the costs required to maintain the surface throughout a season.
Just days after the final World Cup game in Arlington, the Cowboys tore up their grass turf at AT&T Stadium.
The former center, Jason, has not held back in his stance over owners and the NFL not making a grass playing field compulsory across the league.
“All NFL games should be played on grass fields. It is a joke,” said Jason.
To which his brother Travis added: “Take care of your players, man. I hate playing on turf. I think it’s silly. The ground is harder when you hit it, and more concussions happen on turf because of how players’ helmets hit the ground.
“Some cleats grab more, while others sit on top of the turf differently. This makes it a more unstable surface, which puts more pressure and strain on your joints.”
Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana suffered an ACL injury in Seattle during the World Cup, which will not have helped the NFL players’ protests.
However, the argument is not that all injuries will be prevented, but the likelihood of the serious injuries occurring would be reduced.
The message to Goodell could not be clearer, with players from across the league also venting their frustrations on social media.
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