Bills Support NFLPA's Call For Grass Fields: 'What The Players Want!'

Coach Sean McDermott, quarterback Josh Allen and other Buffalo Bills players support the NFLPA's call for universal grass fields after New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' injury

The debate on natural vs. artificial fields has been ongoing for years now, but it's one that came back in full force over the past few days.

On Monday night, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills. The fact that the injury took place on the artificial turf of MetLife Stadium, which has seen a number of notable players suffer major injuries in recent years, caused a stir in itself, even beyond the fact that a four-time MVP is now out for the season.

In the wake of Rodgers' injury, NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell issued a statement calling for all NFL teams to adopt grass fields going forward.

A statement from our Executive Director Lloyd Howell on #NFL field surfaces: pic.twitter.com/pPsfve8W6j

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) September 13, 2023

"The players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is safer than artificial turf," Howell said in the statement. "It is an issue that has been near the top of the players' list during my team visits and one I have raised with the NFL."

© Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

It was only a matter of time before the Bills spoke out about the debate, not just because it's a hot-button issue, but because they were at the center of it on Monday night. Not too surprisingly, the Bills fully support the NFLPA's stance on grass fields.

“I feel like overall that’s what the players want,” coach Sean McDermott said. “I get the gist that’s what they want. At the end of the day I get it. But I appreciate the NFL’s attention to making the fields as safe as possible.”

While Rodgers' injury came at the expense of the Bills' opponent, they themselves have felt such a loss before. On Thanksgiving last season, star pass-rusher Von Miller suffered a season-ending torn ACL in a game against the Detroit Lions on the artificial turf of Ford Field. Knowing firsthand how dangerous artificial turf can be, Miller has also previously voiced his support for grass fields.

“This game was built on grass. Grass is safer. It feels better,” Miller said in June. "“I’ve been injured twice on artificial turf, so I know what it does to the fingers, toes, back.”

Outside of the issue at hand, there's also the human aspect of Rodgers' season, and possibly career, ending in heartbreaking fashion. Bills quarterback Josh Allen voiced his support for Rodgers and said he felt "gutted" for his fellow quarterback.

“I felt like I have a pretty good relationship with him and you know, a first-ballot Hall of Fame guy,” Allen said. “Obviously the whole offseason and the hype surrounding that, and for that to go down that way friggin’ sucks and I hate that for him. He’s such a good dude, he’s a fantastic player. I hate to see that.”

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.