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Not only is MetLife Stadium considered to be one of the worst stadiums in the NFL from a fan’s point of view, but it’s also notoriously despised by NFL players, too, due to its terrible turf fields.
The MetLife Stadium turf is so infamously cursed that it’s earned a reputation of being where healthy ACLs go to die. Since 2020, 17 NFL players — including stars such as Nick Bosa and Aaron Rodgers — have suffered either an ACL or Achilles injury while playing at MetLife.
NFL players have long been vocal about their displeasure with the MetLife Stadium turf, as well.
With MetLife Stadium set to host the World Cup final — the most prestigious and widely-watched event in Earthly sports — fans had hoped that the mandated grass fields needed for the tournament would push the Giants and Jets to just install them ahead of time so NFL players could reap the benefits, as well.
Speaking at the NFL League Meetings in Orlando, however, Giants owner John Mara provided a disappointing update, saying that they’re “not there yet” when it comes to grass fields.
#Giants John Mara said a grass field will be put in for 2026 #WorldCup at MetLife Stadium. But it's a different type of grass than would be used for American football.
For NFL, Mara says they're not yet at a point where they could have safe playing field late in season on grass
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) March 25, 2024
At the owners' meetings in Orlando, @Connor_J_Hughes and @JeaneCoakley discuss John Mara's comments on the Giants' quarterback position, Saquon Barkley's departure and the possibility of a natural grass turf at MetLife Stadium: pic.twitter.com/ALjY39COfX
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) March 25, 2024
As of the 2023 season, 15 of the NFL stadiums use natural grass, while the other 15 use different types of synthetic turf.