Do NFL Players Prefer Grass or Turf?
In a game where every inch counts, do NFL players have a preference for playing on grass or turf? We talked to a few pros to find out.
Introduction
Natural grass has been the playing surface of choice for football since the game was first played in the 1800s. But in the last few decades, artificial turf has become increasingly popular, especially in NFL stadiums. Today, more than half of all NFL teams play their home games on turf, and several teams have switched from grass to turf in recent years.
So what do NFL players think about playing on grass or turf? There’s no simple answer, as there are pros and cons to both surfaces. In general, players say that grass is a better surface to play on, but that synthetic Turf is easier to maintain and keeps the field more consistent from week to week. Here’s a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of both grass and turf, according to NFL players.
History of NFL Fields
The first NFL game was played on a grass field in 1922, and for the next 50 years, all NFL games were played on natural turf. In the 1970s, several teams began experimenting with artificial turf, and by the 1990s, half of all NFL stadiums were equipped with some form of artificial playing surface. Today, there is a split among NFL teams between those who prefer natural grass fields and those who prefer artificial turf. Each type of playing surface has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Natural grass fields provide good footing for players and help to absorb impact when players are tackled. However, they require a lot of maintenance and can be damaged easily by bad weather. Artificial turf fields are more durable and require less maintenance than natural grass fields, but they can be harder on players’ bodies and may cause more injuries.
There is no definitive answer as to whether NFL players prefer grass or turf. Some players feel that turf causes more injuries, while others believe that artificial surfaces are actually better for their bodies. Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to decide which type of playing surface he prefers.
Types of Fields
In the NFL, there are generally two types of playing fields: natural grass and artificial turf. Each type of field has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Natural grass fields are usually made of Bermuda grass or a similar type of grass. They are well-suited for play in warm weather climates, but can become hard and dry in colder weather. In addition, natural grass fields can become worn down over the course of a season from heavy use.
Artificial turf fields are usually made from Astroturf or a similar material. They are more durable than natural grass fields and can be used in all weather conditions. However, artificial turf fields can be harder on players’ bodies, and some players say that they prefer the feel of playing on natural grass.
Grass vs. Turf
The Battle of Grass vs. Turf has been raging for years within the NFL. In fact, it might even be safe to say that this battle has been going on since the advent of Astroturf in the 1960’s.
So, what is the big deal? Well, for starters, grass is a natural surface that has been used for football games since the very beginning. Turf, on the other hand, is a man-made surface that was designed to imitate grass.
There are pros and cons to both surfaces. Grass is considered to be softer and more forgiving than turf. This can be beneficial for players who are susceptible to injury because it reduces the risk of impact-related injuries. Turf, on the other hand, is considered to be harder and less forgiving. However, it is also much easier to maintain than grass.
So, which surface do NFL players prefer? The answer may surprise you. According to a survey of NFL players conducted by ESPN in 2016, an overwhelming majority of players (87%) said they prefer to play on grass over turf.
There are a number of reasons why players prefer grass. The most common reason cited was that playing on grass simply feels better than playing on turf. Other reasons included the fact that playing on grass puts less stress on the body and that it’s easier to run on grass than turf.
So there you have it. The next time you’re watching an NFL game, take a look at the field and see if you can guess which surface the players prefer!
Player Opinion
Player opinion on grass vs. turf is divided, with some players preferring one and some preferring the other. Many players feel that grass gives them a better footing and helps to prevent injuries, while others find that turf is more consistent and easier to play on. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and what works best for each individual player.
Conclusion
Taking everything into account, it seems that natural grass is the preferred playing surface for NFL players. However, with the advances in technology and the installation of more sophisticated drainage systems, artificial turf is becoming more popular and may eventually be the preferred choice for many players.
