After New York Giants superstar Malik Nabers’ season ended during the Giants week 4 game against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a non-contact torn ACL, the turf at MetLife stadium has solidified itself as a serious issue.

Many NFL players have advocated for natural grass, but we haven’t seen any changes. Despite concerns from players across the league, the NFL hasn’t budged to change this situation. Part of the reason is because MetLife’s stadium is deemed not uncommonly dangerous. Recent studies even suggest that MetLife stadium is one of the safer fields in the league.

Eight NFL teams have natural grass fields and three teams have hybrid fields which is a mix of grass and artificial fibers. Natural grass absorbs more force which leads to less stress on players’ joints. Athletes’ cleats also release much quicker on grass. NFL studies have shown significantly higher rates of non-contact, lower-extremity injuries on artificial turf compared to natural grass. 

Notable injuries since 2020 include Jabrill Peppers, Sterling Shepard, Nick Bosa, Blake Martinez, Jaelen Phillips, Aaron Rodgers and, of course, Malik Nabers. All of these injuries were non-contact ACL and achilles tears. With the 2026 World Cup coming up, the stadium has planned to have a grass field, yet the artificial surface will be installed after. Maybe the World Cup will bring hope to the NFL and alter the turf situation, but if things don’t change, it’ll be status quo or worse for the Giants and Jets… if that’s even possible at this point.