Buffalo Bills Switch To Real Grass, NFL Looking at 'Fresh Ideas' For Playing Surfaces

The Buffalo Bills play on turf now but the new stadium, set to open in 2026, will feature a grass field.

NFL playing surfaces have been a hot topic this season. When New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered an ACL tear in Week 1, the debate between artificial turf and grass heated up.

On Thursday, the league announced a crowd-sourced challenge to accelerate innovations that can help make playing surfaces more consistent and safer for players.

NFL players continue to advocate for grass fields because of the link with non-contact lower-body injuries on artificial turf. NFLPA’s new executive director, Lloyd Howell, released a statement in September saying all NFL stadiums need to have natural grass.

The Bills have played on artificial turf since Highmark Stadium's opening in 1973, but New Highmark Stadium, set to open in 2026, will feature a grass field. 

Currently, 14 teams out of 32 do not play on real grass. The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers use a combination of turf and grass.

The league is inviting submissions for how it can better its playing surfaces ... and offering a reward.

According to the NFL: "The 'HealthTECH Challenge I' is open to submissions from companies and new ventures from outside the surface industry, including representatives of academic institutions, design houses and other entities that specialize in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and material science."

"The challenge will provide up to $100,000 to entrants with ideas that further improve the safety and consistency of playing surfaces. The individuals or groups who submit projects that are selected for funding will have the opportunity to work with an expert support team to further develop their concept and plan for creating a finished product."

Buffalo Bills / USA TODAY

This week, the Bills are playing at home and fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive as they host the Jets in Highmark Stadium for a Week 11 AFC East battle.

The Bills sit two games behind the first-place Miami Dolphins in the division. With seven games remaining, every win gets them closer to qualifying for the postseason.

RECORDS: Buffalo Bills (5-5) vs. New York Jets (4-5)

ODDS: Buffalo is a 7-point favorite vs. the Jets

GAME TIME: Sunday, Nov. 19th, 2023 at 4:25 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Highmark Stadium - Orchard Park, NY

TV/RADIO: CBS, WGR 550

THE FINAL WORD: McDermott on new offensive coordinator Joe Brady:

“It’s just a feel more than anything, an it-factor, a presence,” McDermott said. “I think Joe has some of that and his imprint will develop over the course of time in terms of the Xs and Os and his rapport with Josh as well.”

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