The argument over the field type has been prevalent in the NFL over the last few seasons. While grass dominated the landscape in previous years, there has been a gradual but noticeable shift towards turf surfaces.
Unfortunately, while organizations continue to lobby for it, players haven’t taken a liking to it. As a result, they have set aside team rivalries to support continued development. Caleb Williams, who has been among the loudest voices against the change, has found many allies.
Caleb Williams Continues to Wage War on Turfs
The debate between grass and turf pitches has existed for quite some time. However, in recent years, it has come to the forefront as organizations continue to push for a transition to artificial surfaces.
A considerable cost difference has been their major point of emphasis, but the outrage from the players has been nearly unanimous. George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers put it into words most succinctly.
“We’ve made it clear that we prefer grass fields,” Kittle said last month. “We know it’s better on our bodies. And clearly, we know it’s possible based on everything that went into putting down grass fields for the World Cup in each stadium. At this point, it comes down to the NFL making it a priority and choosing to invest in us as players, because our bodies are our business, which they get to capitalize on!”
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The NFL Players’ Association shared that message, drawing immediate support from players, both former and current, across the league. Harrison Phillips directly responded to their post with “#WorthTheCost”
Williams, who after a spectacular 2025 campaign that earned him the Madden cover athlete title, was front and center with the movement. He wrote, “#worththecost,” while sharing an image of the grass fields being trimmed to the proper size with a simple question, “Why can’t we have this too?”
The grass trimming has come into sharper focus with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With most of the matches taking place in the same stadiums that NFL teams call their home, the double standards have come into light.
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Linebacker Patrick Queen, too, was quick to point it out. He took to X and wrote, “We know grass is possible because we’ve seen stadiums make the change. Players are #WorthTheCost.”
Williams unexpectedly found support from two Green Bay Packers players as well, despite the prevalent rivalry between their franchise and the Chicago Bears.
Zaire Franklin shared the same image as Williams and added, “The cost of doing nothing is paid for by players’ bodies. Make grass mandatory. #WorthTheCost” Tucker Kraft, too, joined in, and made it clear that the issue went beyond just their individual franchises.
“Green Bay Packers are spoiled since we play on the greatest surface in the NFL,” Kraft said. “Natural grass is the best, and should be the only surface we play on. We are #WorthTheCost”
It remains to be seen whether the collective outcry from players forces a change by the NFL, especially after seeing the idea’s effectiveness during the World Cup. If it can help the best players remain healthier and more available, then it might ultimately be a worthwhile investment for the league.
