New York Jets players continue to call for a new surface at MetLife Stadium
Add another New York Jets player to the list of those who have criticized the MetLife Stadium turf.
In response to an article from ProFootballTalk that reported a joint NFL/NFLPA committee found similar injury rates on grass and turf fields, cornerback Michael Carter II chimed in on the debate.
“Need some of these people to go into MetLife and bounce off that turf for 3 hours and tell me how you feel after vs grass,” said Carter.
Need some of these people to go into MetLife and bounce off that turf for 3 hours and tell me how you feel after vs grass 😂 https://t.co/Uy7LrprkYi
— Michael Carter II (@mcarter2nd) February 2, 2024
The article states, “A joint committee by the NFL and NFL Players Association found that the incidence of lower body injuries was about the same on turf fields as it was on grass fields during the 2023 season.”
Additionally, the study found that “the rate of injuries that occur in the lower extremities without contact from another player was 0.001 higher per 100 plays on turf than it was on grass.”
The NFLPA said in response that “the data did not change its belief” in grass fields and “injury data in a one-year time capsule does not account for what we have known since we started tracking these injuries: that a well-maintained, consistent grass surface is still simply safer for players than any synthetic field.”
Carter’s tweet showcases an essential factor in regards to the players’ view of playing surfaces.
The debate between turf and grass fields is not only about the number of injuries but also how the playing surface affects players’ bodies throughout a season.
Players, as evidenced by the claims of Carter and others, say they feel greater impact from hits when they fall on turf than on grass. The artificial surfaces have much less give to them than the natural ones. As a result, this heavier impact causes more wear and tear on players’ bodies over time.
MetLife Stadium is a primary culprit, as it has gained a reputation around the league for being one of the worst surfaces to play on. Whether due to the lack of give on the turf or the feeling of hitting the surface, the Jets’ and Giants’ home stadium serves as the poster child for why players want to switch to grass.
It remains to be seen if MetLife, among other stadiums, will change to grass or natural surfaces in the future. But until that change is made, players on both the Jets and other teams will continue criticizing the stadium’s playing surface.
Another handicap for the Jets (and Giants) to overcome in attracting players. Detroit has the same turf, but nowhere near the notoriety as playing at Met Life. Losing out on their desired Manhattan stadium was a blow, but the Johnsons should have avoided a stadium share situation when they had the chance. Sounds like they will maintain that status quo.
Thank you for pointing out there is the same turf in other stadiums, AND the turf was new this past season. Personally, not only do I think all stadiums need grass but they all need some type of covering, even if retractable. If playing on turf is an injury risk then so is playing in mud, and slippery snow…ask RGIII, who blew out his knee in the mud. Plus, it felt like every Jets game was played in the pouring rain this season.
You are SOOO right about missing out on the stadium and I’ve been calling for Woody to get one in NY with a roof, and grass (the same they do for soccer in Europe). It’s really time. The Jets need an identity. Get a retractable roof stadium, so they can still have their other events, concerts etc. and they can also have a real Super Bowl in NY. It’s a cash cow, and it’s time. They have the money. I’ve always said Woody gets a bad rap, he really does want the team to win and has tried everything consultants, GM’s and all of it. He needs a feather in his cap, build a state of the art Stadium, and players will come to NY. I know everybody says “Oh the NY taxes,” sure but there is no city in America (perhaps, LA is the same) that gives the players the same earning power. None.
They have Rogers now, they need a few pieces, there is a window to build the team since they also have young talent. Their lease in NJ is almost up for renewal, a deep playoff push, with an announcement of a state of the art indoor/outdoor stadium, and players will come.