Andrew Buller-Russ
For those who had a chance to witness history with the first-ever NFL game played on Black Friday, they also witnessed star Miami Dolphins pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips suffer what may be a season-ending Achilles injury, much like the one Aaron Rodgers suffered earlier this season. The thing is, the injuries occurred on the same field, at the home of the New York Jets and Giants, at MetLife Stadium, which fields artificial turf as the playing surface.
This playing surface has long drawn widespread criticism from players and coaches around the NFL who advocate for the usage of natural grass fields in all 32 NFL stadiums. Yet, the NFL insists the cost would be too great, despite raking in millions and millions of revenue each year.
Related: Why artificial turf and calls for its demise aren’t moving the NFL to act
But the latest injury, which Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel says “Doesn’t look great“, likely won’t spur any action from the NFL either. At least not overnight.
However, his fellow teammate voiced his displeasure with the lack of care over the problematic playing surface at MetLife Stadium. Here was running back Raheem Mostert shortly after Miami’s 34-13 win over New York.
Mostert is absolutely right. Something does have to change. If areas with extreme exposure to the sun can find ways to still take advantage of having natural grass fields, like they do at Allegiant Stadium with the Las Vegas Raiders, there’s no excuse for others who swear by their turf surfaces simply to save a few more bucks.
Related: NFL QB Rankings 2023: Jordan Love climbs, Dak Prescott dazzles on Thanksgiving
