About half of all NFL stadiums use some kind of artificial turf — but should they? While turf is less expensive to maintain, its safety has come into question in recent years. From ACL tears to knee and ankle injuries, the harder, hotter surface of turf fields can take a serious toll on players. In this animated explainer, Alin Beane breaks down the risks associated with turf — and why even former NFL Players Association President JC Tretter has pushed for a return to playing on grass.
Alin Beane is a student in the Reynolds School of Journalism. This story was produced as part of the RSJ’s motion graphics class during fall 2024, taught by Luka Starmer.
