NFL Executive Director Lloyd Howell is pushing for a significant change in the league’s playing surface after the shocking injury to 39-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles during Monday Night Football, effectively ending his 2023 season.
Howell argues that switching from artificial turf to natural grass is the “easiest decision the NFL can make.” He points out that players overwhelmingly prefer grass, which has been proven to be safer.
Howell emphasizes that the issue has consistently ranked high on players’ concerns during his team visits and has been raised with the NFL. While he acknowledges the investment required for the change, he highlights the greater cost of losing top players to avoidable injuries.
Lloyd Howell’s statement emphasizes that while switching to natural grass surfaces may require some initial investment, the greater concern is the substantial cost to the NFL if top players continue to suffer avoidable injuries on artificial turf. He highlights the inconsistency where stadiums readily transition to superior natural grass for international soccer events like the World Cup and summer soccer exhibitions, but continue to subject NFL players to less safe artificial surfaces.
NFLPA’s new executive director, Lloyd Howell, said all NFL stadiums need to have natural grass. pic.twitter.com/7gMvv3erKJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2023
Howell firmly believes that investing in natural grass within the NFL is not just necessary but also cost-effective in the long run. He insists that the change must happen promptly to safeguard the well-being of players and maintain the league’s competitiveness. In essence, he underscores the urgency of prioritizing player safety over short-term costs.
This incident has sparked a debate about player safety and the playing surface’s impact on injuries. With Rodgers facing a long recovery, the NFL faces a critical decision that could reshape the future of the game.
Aaron Rodgers’ injury highlights the dangers of artificial turf, adding urgency to the call for change. The NFL now faces a crucial decision, prioritize player safety by switching to natural grass or risk more career-altering injuries like Rodgers’. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Aaron Rodgers will miss the entire 2023-24 NFL season
In a heartbreaking twist, Aaron Rodgers suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury just four plays into the New York Jets’ 2023 season opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 12, 2023. The conclusion was clear, a torn Achilles tendon.
This injury is notorious for its long road to recovery, often spanning up to a year. As a result, Rodgers won’t be gracing the NFL field for the entire 2023 season.
Rodgers is gearing up for surgery, a procedure typically done with small leg incisions and stitches or staples to mend the tendon.
Aaron Rodgers was injured and helped off the field on the first Jets drive vs. the Bills. pic.twitter.com/vtKHRW566V
— ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2023
Coming back from a torn Achilles tendon is no walk in the park, requiring weeks of wearing a cast or brace and intensive physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility.
While the prognosis usually allows for a return to previous activity levels, it’s a time-consuming journey. Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, and a top-tier quarterback, leaves a significant void in the Jets’ playoff aspirations for 2023. Nonetheless, the team has a budding star in quarterback Zach Wilson, who now has a chance to shine.
The Jets want Zach Wilson to enjoy playing without stressing about contracts or his position. It’s obvious that Aaron Rodgers believes in Zach Wilson as the Jets’ future and is helping him get better.
Despite the hurdles ahead, Rodgers maintains a positive spirit and is optimistic about his NFL comeback in 2024.