Josh Allen challenges NFL turf rules after a painful experience leaves Bills star demanding a major change
Allen made his feelings clear during a media session on Tuesday, August 25, while talking about the difference between practicing on artificial turf and playing on grass. The 2024 NFL MVP said he can feel the effects of artificial turf the following day, while he feels much better after playing on grass. The NFL says 11 of its stadiums were selected to host World Cup matches, with several venues requiring grass for the event. Beginning with the 2026 season, new NFL playing surfaces must meet updated requirements, and all stadiums will have to meet the league’s enhanced standards by 2028.
Because several NFL stadiums changed their fields from artificial turf to grass for the tournament, the debate became especially visible around the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Buffalo Bills quarterback said he believes natural grass is healthier and would choose grass for every NFL stadium if he could. Allen also said he would make every NFL team use grass if he had the power to make that change. “If I could snap my finger and make every team field grass, that’s what I would do for sure,” Allen said. On the other side, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has said there is no belief that grass is safer than turf.
Josh Allen has added his voice to the NFL’s long-running grass-versus-turf debate, saying artificial fields have left him with painful burns and make his body feel worse the next day. His comments came as the league continues to deal with questions about playing surfaces and player safety. The quarterback is relieved that this will not be a problem at the Buffalo Bills’ new Highmark Stadium, which has a natural grass field. Allen’s comments come as players continue to question whether artificial turf is the best option for NFL games. Allen is not alone in preferring grass. Other NFL players, including George Kittle and Jonathan Taylor, have also spoken publicly about the issue.