Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was among the collective of NFL players who advocated for grass fields ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
#worththecost pic.twitter.com/UxVcFc4lr2
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) July 17, 2026
Eleven NFL stadiums hosted World Cup games this year. Many had to install temporary natural grass playing surfaces to accommodate FIFA but will revert to turf once the tournament is over. In June, the NFLPA said that 92% of its players polled preferred natural grass.
Players such as Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen also pushed for grass using “#WorthTheCost” on social media.
Natural grass isn’t out of reach. Prioritizing players shouldn’t be either! We’re #WorthTheCost
— Jonathan Taylor (@JayT23) July 17, 2026
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) July 17, 2026
If stadiums can make grass work for the World Cup, they can make it work for NFL players. We’re #WorthTheCost.
— Laremy Tunsil (@KingTunsil78) July 17, 2026
The cost of doing nothing is paid for by players’ bodies.
Make grass mandatory. #WorthTheCost pic.twitter.com/mqNYwNDdj8
— Zaire Franklin (@ZiggySmalls_) July 17, 2026
“It’s no longer a question of capability; the technology exists, the expertise exists, and the resources exist to install the high-level grass fields that our players overwhelmingly prefer,” the NFLPA also said in its June statement.