The debate over whether artificial turf causes more injuries than natural grass is one of the NFL’s longest-running arguments – and the answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Multiple studies show league data patterns that worry players and trainers. Here is a look at the evidence and what it means for player safety.
Several large analyses rates of lower-extremity injuries on artificial turf. A widely-cited 2019 review found when playing on artificial turf, there is about 16% increase on player injuries, than injuries with natural grass. That study focused on where the foot/ankle and the knee areas closest to the playing surface showed differences. More recent NFL studies strengthen that concern. Studies of NFL seasons in the early 2020s reported higher injury incidence and an increased odds of a season ending surgery on artificial turf compared with natural grass during the 2021-2022 seasons. However, some research, including a 2023 Lancet analysis spanning multiple levels of football, found overall injury incidence was lower on artificial turf than grass in the datasets they examined. Differences across studies often come down to which injuries are counted. Modern “Third generation” turf behaves very differently from older systems, and well-maintained grass fields can still be hazardous.
Why might turf increase certain injuries? Synthetic surfaces can be firmer and provide a more consistent grip. Cleats may catch and transfer more force to the joints rather than allowing the foot to release as a divot on natural grass. That mechanical difference has been proposed as a reason for higher rates of non-contact ACL, Ankle, and foot injuries on some types of turf. Environmental factors also come into factor weather there field is outside or indoors. Also what the temperature is and if its raining or just any other type of weather you can think of.
What should the NFL do? The NFL should address turf injuries by implementing stricter, unified field standards, encouraging grass conversion (as the NFLPA demands), investing heavily in R&D for safer turf/cleats, and focusing on player-preferred playing conditions, with a new mandate requiring all surfaces to meet advanced safety metrics by 2028, combining player feedback with scientific data to create safer, more consistent playing environments.
