NFL owners debate grass versus turf as World Cup stadiums convert

NFL stadium owners are re‑examining playing surfaces after several venues were temporarily converted to natural grass for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Raiders owner Mark Davis said football "should be played on grass" for player safety, noting the added cost was worthwhile. Broncos coach Sean Payton echoed the sentiment, suggesting grass could appear in more stadiums where feasible.

Conversely, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones affirmed his team will keep artificial turf once the World Cup ends, arguing turf offers economic flexibility. Players such as George Kittle and Kirk Cousins have publicly preferred grass, citing perceived health benefits, though recent NFL medical data shows no clear injury‑rate difference between the two surfaces.