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NFL Players Launch #WorthTheCost Push for Grass Fields

7/18/2026

Summary

NFL Players Demand Grass

NFL players launched the #WorthTheCost campaign on Friday to pressure owners to install grass fields.
While 92% of players prefer grass, only a 50.1% vote would be required to change the collective bargaining agreement.
Owners would need to split the cost of grass installation and maintenance, possibly adding indoor systems or retrofits.
The Bills’ new stadium includes grass.
The Steelers may revert to turf if the grass effort fails.

Summary

NFL Defends Turf

The NFL cited a 2025 study reported by NFL.com’s Judy Battista that player injury rates were similar on grass and artificial turf.
League officials said field-type choices must consider stadium flexibility for other events, rejecting the #WorthTheCost campaign.
Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium swaps natural grass up to monthly from a sod farm.
Real Madrid’s Bernabéu uses a costly system that flips the grass field underground into a greenhouse.

Summary

NFLPA Demands Grass

National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) urged owners to adopt permanent natural-grass fields for NFL games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin warned that players’ bodies pay the cost of inaction.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle said his team prefers grass because it benefits players.
The National Football League (NFL) declined comment when reporters asked about the #WorthTheCost campaign on Friday.

History

Historical Context

In 1966 the Houston Astrodome, financed by owner Roy Hofheinz, became the first major venue to lay AstroTurf after its grass died, prompting the Houston Oilers to play there in 1968 and the NFL’s first league game on turf at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field in 1969. The move sparked a nationwide shift; today over 11,000 artificial fields exist across the U.S.

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NFL Players Demand Grass

NFL players launched the #WorthTheCost campaign on Friday to pressure owners to install grass fields.
While 92% of players prefer grass, only a 50.1% vote would be required to change the collective bargaining agreement.
Owners would need to split the cost of grass installation and maintenance, possibly adding indoor systems or retrofits.
The Bills’ new stadium includes grass.
The Steelers may revert to turf if the grass effort fails.

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