RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Josh Allen. Credit: Joe Hrycych/Getty
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Josh Allen shared his painful experiences with artificial turf, including burns that disrupt his sleep
The Buffalo Bills’ new stadium features natural grass, a change Allen believes supports injury prevention
NFL players, including Allen, are increasingly advocating for grass fields, citing health and safety concerns
Add Josh Allen ’s name to the growing list of players on the anti-turf campaign.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 26, the Buffalo Bills quarterback, 30, expressed his desire to move away from artificial turf, citing injuries he’s sustained on the controversial surface.
“I think grass is healthier for our bodies,” Allen began. “I’m at a point in my career now that when we practice inside now on the artificial, I can feel it the next day. When I’m out there, I feel great. I think any guy that was honest would tell you that’s how they feel.”
Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills participates in drills during training camp at St. John Fisher University on July 29, 2026 in Rochester, New York. Credit: Joe Hrycych/Getty
Allen went on to share the pain he’s endured from the turf. “I’ve gotten numerous burns on my legs from artificial turf, like to the point where I can’t sleep at night because it’s bubbling over,” he said. “It’s very painful, so I’m excited to not have to deal with that at home at least. I know we’ll probably still play games on the road that are turf.”
“But if I can snap my fingers and make every field grass, that’s what I would do for sure,” he said.
Allen said he believes real grass is a “healthier” alternative and can aid in “injury prevention.”
The Bills debuted their new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 8. While the venue itself has received mixed reviews from fans , Allen praised the field because it features natural grass, a switch from the artificial turf used at their previous stadium.
Allen is among several NFL players who have expressed unhappiness with artificial turf.
In July, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart spoke with PEOPLE exclusively at the 2026 World Cup final on the topic since his team’s home venue, MetLife Stadium, hosted the championship game with real grass. He pushed for the Giants to keep it this season.
Josh Allen drops back to pass the football in pre game warm up during an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Cleveland. Credit: Scott Boehm via AP
“Hopefully we get to keep the grass,” Dart, 23, told PEOPLE. “That’s my hope... we got to keep it during the football season.”
In addition to MetLife Stadium, several venues across the United States replaced artificial turf with grass for the World Cup games earlier this summer, according to ESPN.
Dart’s comments echo a growing push among NFL players for grass surfaces. Before the World Cup final on July 19, ESPN reported that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Washington Commanders tackle Laremy Tunsil spoke out on social media via the hashtag #WorthTheCost.
Last November, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur called attention to the “hard surface” at MetLife as running back Josh Jacobs sustained a knee injury.
Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws the ball against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 14, 2025 in Foxborough, Mass. Credit: Jordan Bank/Getty
Dart’s teammate, wide receiver Malik Nabers, also suffered a season-ending ACL tear and a damaged meniscus in his right knee during a Giants home game last fall, reviving questions about the condition of the field’s surface.
Nabers is entering his third season with the Giants. His status for Week 1 of the 2026 season remains unclear.
Read the original article on People
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