AARON RODGERS’ INJURY PROMPTS PLEAS FOR NATURAL GRASS FIELDS


Compiled by Suz Trusty


With the nation watching the week one game on Monday Night Football, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. Te injury occurred during the team’s fourth play from scrimmage in Rodgers’ highly anticipated debut with the Jets, as the 39-year-old, four-time MVP was sacked by the Buffalo Bills defense. Replay after replay showed the hit and its awkwardly twisted result.


NFLPA Again Calls for Natural Grass Surface on All NFL Fields Two days later, on September 13, 2023, National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Executive Director Lloyd Howell responded to Rodger’s injury. On behalf of the association, Howell called for the league to eliminate artificial turf fields in favor of natural grass surfaces. He stated, “Moving all stadium fields to high quality natural grass surfaces is the easiest decision the NFL can make.” And, he added, "Te players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf.” Howell’s full statement is in the graphic. Earlier this year, the NFLPA released data showing non-contact injuries were more common on artificial turf compared to grass fields during the 2022 NFL regular season. Tat report echoes the data from previous years.


sharing the NFLPA statement and then following up with additional hard-hitting posts.


On September 20, this message was posted on both Facebook and Twitter, accompanied by graphic 1 below. “We're listening to the players. Shouldn't NFL owners listen, too? Research proves natural grass playing surfaces are the safer option. #KeepItREAL”


On September 22, this message was posted on both Facebook and Twitter, accompanied by Graphic 2 below. “Plastic grass injuries are not just at the professional level. Tese non-contact plastic grass injuries happen at every level of play. Encourage your local recreation departments and schools to use natural grass playing fields. #KeepItREAL”


TPI Responds in Support of Natural Grass While TPI joins in the concern for all players injured on artificial turf, like the NFLPA, on behalf of its membership, it is compelled to respond to such injuries with the call for natural grass fields in the NFL—and at all other levels of play. Tat response was immediate and varied. TPI Executive Director Dr. Casey Reynolds reached out to the media with responses tailored to each source. In addition, TPI took to social media, first


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Good, yes. But how much more could be done with more funding for natural grass research and marketing? Let your voices be heard. Working together, we will #KeepItREAL.


AL. AL. Suz Trusty is co-editor of Turf News. TPI Turf News November/December 202 023


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