The Aaron Rodgers season-ending Achilles injury has sparked many conversations, including one on the NFL’s use of turf fields that continues to be an issue amongst players.
MetLife Stadium had new turf installed this offseason, but that still does not seem to be satisfying the athletes who have to play on the field.
Giants cornerback Adoree Jackson, who joined WFAN’s “The Brandon Tierney & Sal Licata Show” on Tuesday, is among those who prefers the NFL use grass fields for the safety of its players.
“For us it was slippery [Sunday night]…even though it was wet,” Jackson said. “At same time, I’m always going to be a big advocate for grass. Playing in the [Los Angeles Memorial] Coliseum was nothing but grass. I fell in love with that. Obviously, I was on the West Coast playing… but I feel like a lot of money is being made in this league, a lot of money going around, I feel at least we should be able to take care of the field. Pay the extra million, whatever it may be… at least take care of the field. The players represent you on it as well.”
Jackson was not the only one advocating for grass in the aftermath of the Rodgers injury; Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari also sounded off on the field conditions via X (formerly Twitter) after watching his former quarterback get hurt.
Meanwhile, Jackson is willing to even go as far as donating to a players fund for grass fields, even if it means he won’t get to play on it.
“I would. If I don’t get to see it across the league at least I’ll get to see those in the future to come after me and play on an all grass field,” he said. “I like it that way, grew up playing Pop Warner, high school, college - you didn’t play on many grass fields. It feels like football when you’re on a grass field.”