Now that the World Cup is over, many NFL stars have just one wish: to keep the natural turf that was installed in the stadiums.

The 2026 World Cup is over. But what remains of this mega-event? If it were up to various NFL stars, at least the turf would stay.

In countless NFL stadiums, artificial turf was replaced with natural grass for the matches. During the final at New York’s MetLife Stadium, prominent NFL players expressed their hope that this change would be permanent.

George Kittle, star tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, attended the World Cup final and subsequently made his opinion clear.

According to him, the World Cup proved that stadiums like MetLife or SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles could host games on natural grass year-round if NFL team owners were truly interested.

Grass still looks great! Let’s use grass instead of turf @NFL !! Please? Thanks, guys! pic.twitter.com/1iS8Jf2zPX

— George Kittle (@gkittle46) July 19, 2026

Kittle Makes a Clear Demand of the NFL

“The grass still looks great! Let’s use natural grass instead of artificial turf, NFL. Please? Thank you,” he wrote alongside a photo of himself near the field.

Last month, the 49ers star had already stated that he believed 90 percent of NFL players would prefer natural grass if they had the choice.

While it’s currently unclear how many players would ultimately come out in favor of natural grass, support within the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is certainly strong enough to make the issue one of the league’s most significant points of contention.

Three years ago, the union called on the NFL to completely switch over to natural grass in its stadiums. During the championship weekend, the NFLPA’s official account once again voiced its support for these demands using the hashtag WorthTheCost.

It emphasized that investing in player safety and phasing out artificial turf across the board is of great importance.

NFL Stars Speak Out Publicly

In addition to Kittle, other NFL stars also weighed in on the issue. Running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts stated: “Natural grass is not an unattainable goal! The same should apply to prioritizing players!”

In addition, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, Jets running back Breece Hall, Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, Commanders tackle Laremy Tunsil, and Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd, among others, also spoke out publicly.

PLEASE https://t.co/VJwLgDcpSB

— Breece Hall (@BreeceH) July 19, 2026

NFL Stadium in New York Repeatedly Under Fire

Injury data from the NFL for the years 2012 through 2018 show that the rate of non-contact injuries on artificial turf was 28 percent higher than on natural grass. Knees and ankles, in particular, are subjected to greater stress on turf.

MetLife Stadium, the venue for the World Cup final, has long been the focus of criticism. A number of professional players—including Aaron Rodgers, Malik Nabers, Sterling Shepard, Kyle Fuller, Nick Bosa, and Wan’Dale Robinson—have suffered serious injuries there.