When given the opportunity, NFL players have emphasized that they prefer to play on grass rather than artificial turf. Still, 14 of the 30 NFL stadiums have stuck with turf, and an official ruling on the required playing surface doesn’t appear to be coming anytime soon.
PFN’s No. 1-ranked player in the NFL, Josh Allen, was the latest to complain about artificial turf, and the NFL world didn’t seem to appreciate the comments coming from him specifically.
Josh Allen’s Complaint About Playing on Artificial Turf
“I think grass is healthier for our bodies,” Allen said. “I’m to a point in my career now that when we practice inside on the artificial, I can feel it the next day. When we’re out there (on grass), I feel great, and I think any guy that was honest would tell you that’s how they feel. I think it’s healthier injury prevention.”
“I’ve gotten numerous burns on my legs from artificial turf, like to the point where I can’t sleep at night because it’s bubbling over and it’s very painful,” Allen added. “So I’m excited to not have to deal with that, at home at least. I know we still probably will play games on the road that are on turf, but if I could snap my fingers and make every field grass, that’s what I would do for sure.”
The responses were harsh, to say the least. One fan wrote: “He earns more than 50 million and it hurts him to burn his legs every sunday what a [expletive] joke.”
Another fan added: “Complaints about the sun, complaints about the turf. Fun fact ever since 2022 The Buffalo bills have never played at 1pm in Miami Florida because the Buffalo Bills cried about it being to hot.”
Complaints about the sun complaints about the turf. Fun fact ever since 2022 The Buffalo bills have never played at 1pm in Miami Florida because the buffalo bills cried about it being to hot https://t.co/JqVwRVD11x
— Ghost of XavienHoward (@XavienBuner) August 26, 2026
When the Buffalo Bills fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the 2021-22 NFL postseason, Allen and the Bills’ offense never had the opportunity to see the field in overtime, as Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs on a touchdown-winning drive on the opening possession.
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The following season, the NFL implemented a rule allowing both teams to possess the ball on offense in overtime. The NFL world dubbed it “The Josh Allen Rule.” Since then, fans have joked that the NFL keeps catering to Allen.
“Golden boy has spoken, you have 72 hours to respond, Goodell,” A fan wrote.
“NFL SINCE YOU LOVE CHANGING RULES FOR HIM DO IT ONE MORE TIME,” another fan added.
@NFL SINCE YOU LOVE CHANGING RULES FOR HIM DO IT ONE MORE TIME https://t.co/Fh7UrfBXrN
— Oli’s Forest 🌳🇦🇹 (@theDILFhunter21) August 26, 2026
“We will see all fields go grass in the next 60 days,” one fan said, indicating the widespread belief that the league tends to change rules whenever Allen has an issue.
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One Bills fan also took issue with Allen’s comments and said, “Is he ever not crying about something? Win something that matters once ever in your football life then talk. As a lifelong Bills fan I am over this guy.”
Is he ever not crying about something? Win something that matters once ever in your football life then talk. As a lifelong Bills fan I am over this guy
— Sully (@SullyFootball) August 26, 2026
As Allen mentioned, Buffalo’s new Highmark Stadium is set to feature a grass field. He and the Bills will play on their home grass for eight games in 2026.
Time will tell whether the NFL forces teams to make the switch to grass for all 17 games following the QB’s brutally honest comments.
