Frequently Asked Questions
Why are NFL players upset about artificial turf fields?
Players believe artificial turf causes significantly more injuries than natural grass, including knee and Achilles injuries and concussions from hitting the ground. They feel the NFL is prioritizing money over their safety, especially since owners allowed FIFA to install natural grass in several stadiums for soccer while keeping turf for NFL players.
How much does it cost to maintain a natural grass field in the NFL?
A natural grass field can cost a team upwards of $3 million per year to maintain. By comparison, artificial turf costs no more than $500,000, which is why owners prefer it as a straightforward business decision.
Could the NFL afford to put grass fields in every stadium?
Yes — it would cost the NFL an estimated $96 million annually to install grass fields in every stadium, which is equivalent to the combined yearly salaries of just Will Anderson Jr. and Micah Parsons. The league made an estimated $23 billion in revenue last year, so the cost is well within reach.
Will Caleb Williams play on artificial turf when the Bears move to their new stadium?
Almost certainly yes. Williams currently plays on natural grass at Soldier Field, but the Bears' new stadium is expected to be a dome, and most domes use artificial turf, meaning he will likely be playing on turf once the team moves in.
When does the current NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement expire?
The current CBA expires in 2031. That negotiation is expected to be a major battleground, with owners pushing for an 18-game schedule and players demanding a switch to natural grass fields across all stadiums.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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