Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns players reportedly criticized the poor grass field conditions at Acrisure Stadium during Sunday’s game, with Steelers captain Cameron Heyward calling it ‘s—‘. Both teams expressed their concerns to the NFL Players Association, which has vowed to address the issue. Heyward also lamented the injury to teammate Miles Killebrew, who suffered a non-contact knee injury on the field. The Steelers’ head coach, Mike Tomlin, acknowledged the concern but noted that the turf will be replaced. The NFL maintains that there is no significant difference in injury rates between grass and synthetic turf, but players like Heyward prefer natural grass.
The issue of field conditions took center stage on Sunday, as both teams voiced their frustrations with the surface at Acrisure Stadium. Players on both sides described the field as ’embarrassing’ and ‘outrageous,’ prompting the NFLPA to step in and communicate their concerns to the league. The NFLPA has pledged to work with the NFL to ensure that players are not placed in such situations in the future.
Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones was one of the players who openly criticized the playing surface, noting that the dry conditions led to ‘kicked up chunks of grass’ during explosive movements. This issue was further highlighted when placekicker Chris Boswell slipped on a field goal attempt and immediately kicked at the ground, drawing attention to the deteriorating field. The field was scheduled to be resodded after the game, but the players were clearly not satisfied with the current state of the turf.
Despite the NFL’s stance that injury rates are comparable between grass and synthetic turf, players like Heyward continue to express their preference for natural grass. Heyward, who also serves as an NFLPA representative, was especially critical of the surface. ‘I thought it was poor,’ he stated on Monday. ‘I’m not concerned going forward. It’s my understanding that that turf is going to be swapped out, but I certainly acknowledge it was a concern yesterday.’
Heyward’s comments were even more pointed the following day, when he described the field as ‘s—‘ in a Tuesday interview. He also expressed personal frustration over the injury to his teammate, Miles Killebrew, who suffered a non-contact knee injury after planting into the turf. ‘I like grass, but that wasn’t grass for play,’ he noted. The NFLPA’s intervention underscores the importance of maintaining safe and playable conditions for athletes, as both teams continue to navigate the challenges of shared stadium facilities.
The situation at Acr’isure Stadium is part of a broader discussion in the NFL about the balance between natural grass and synthetic turf. While some players and teams prefer natural grass for its playability and aesthetics, others argue that synthetic turf provides a more consistent and safer playing surface for the entire season. The Steelers, who share the stadium with the University of Pittsburgh’s football team, are keen to ensure that the field remains in optimal condition for their upcoming games, especially as they return home for a crucial matchup against Aaron Rodgers’ Packers on October 26.
As the NFL season progresses, the league will continue to monitor and address these field conditions, balancing the preferences of players and the practicalities of maintaining a playing surface that meets safety standards. The incident at Acrisure Stadium highlights the importance of collaboration between teams, the league, and the NFLPA in ensuring that athletes can perform at their best without unnecessary risk.