One of the most prominent topics of discussion this NFL season has been the number of injuries caused by playing on artificial turf. More players have joined the push for the NFL and owners to transition from turf fields to grass fields, which would help prevent more injuries, particularly to the lower body.
This season, many NFL stars have suffered injuries as a result of the turf, beginning with New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tearing his achilles on his first drive of the season. Aside from Rodgers, important players who have had such injuries include Justin Jefferson, Jaelan Phillips, Daniel Jones, Kirk Cousins, and Matt Milano.
The injury to Jefferson, in particular, has prompted the Minnesota Vikings to make changes. Jefferson had a non-contact hamstring injury in early October, forcing the fourth-year receiver to miss seven games. Prior to his injury, Jefferson was on a tear, averaging 149 yards in each of the Vikings’ first three games.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the Vikings have announced that they would be switching from slit-film turf to Act Global Xtreme Turf DX. Though there will be no change to the grass, the new turf has a reduced rate of injury.
U.S. Bank Stadium, according to Vikings executive vice president and chief business administration officer, is unable to generate grass, which is why they are not totally transitioning from turf. “U.S. Bank Stadium was built as a multipurpose facility,” Mr. Poppen stated. “It was made for artificial surfaces.” “Right now, we don’t have the ability to grow grass in that stadium,” according to ESPN.
The new stadium will be completed in time for the 2024 NFL season. Because it isn’t grass, this move isn’t a perfect win for players, but it should be an improvement.
