George Kittle is calling out the NFL’s differential treatment of NFL players. Kittle has raised concerns over the league’s readiness to neglect player safety, in contrast to the soccer players playing in the same stadiums as them. 

Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers’ tight end, recently spoke out against the usage of turf instead of grass, even after players have stated that they prefer grass. 

“We’ve made it clear that we prefer grass fields,” Kittle stated via an X post by Adam Schefter. “We know it’s better on our bodies. And clearly, we know it’s possible based on everything that went into putting down grass fields for the World Cup in each stadium.”

As many stadiums play host to the FIFA World Cup, the league switched from synthetic turf to grass for soccer’s biggest tournament. Kittle called out the management for making these changes for FIFA and asked why the same can’t be done all year round for NFL players.

An overwhelming majority of stadiums, 15 out of 30, use artificial turf. Of the 11 of these stadiums that are hosting the FIFA World Cup, seven have switched to grass as per BMV Sports. 

“At this point, it comes down to the NFL making it a priority and choosing to invest in us as players, because our bodies are our business, which they get to capitalize on!” the 32-year-old said.

The NFL Players Association has been advocating for permanent grass fields, and Kittle emphasized that 90% players prefer grass. In a conversation with Barstool Sports, the tight end asked why the players are denied what they want.

“So then why don’t we do it? Because that’s what the players want to do. It’s a simple math of like the, the NFL is billions and billions of dollars, the most popular sport we have,” he said on June 26. 

The NFL has argued that grass would increase injuries. Moreover, they would have to incur the added costs of maintaining the grass. However, Kittle stands firmly on his take and has the support of fans.

NFL fans back George Kittle and call out the NFL

As George Kittle campaigns for grass fields in stadiums for player safety, fans have expressed their differing views over the NFL’s stance. 

“Agreed so boycott until they put grass on every field,” one wrote.

Another fan called out the efficiency with which the NFL made changes for FIFA and soccer players.

“NFL owners hearing players ask for grass: “Sadly, the technology does not exist.”

FIFA asks once: entire stadium becomes a meadow by Tuesda(y),” one replied.

“The issue is that NFL owners want to host a concert on Friday, play an NFL game Sunday then host another event a week after. With grass this becomes difficult because its not easily removable, which means more loss net profits,” another commented on how these stadiums are used year round.

“If safety of players is a priority, then GK is right. NFL needs to look into this a matter of urgency,” another agreed with Kittle.

“The @NFL has more double standards than any league ever.  Says it wants safety, but adds games and has games played with 3 days rest.  It's all about the money. Always has been and even more so in the Goodell era,” another replied over Bye Weeks, a point Kittle also raised previously.

What are your thoughts?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar