In the electrifying world of professional football, where passion collides with prowess, the players of the National Football League (NFL) are no strangers to adversity on the field. While they train rigorously to endure bone-jarring tackles and high-impact collisions, there’s a lesser-known adversary that often goes unnoticed beneath their cleats – artificial turf. As the NFL strives for innovation and enhanced performance, artificial playing surfaces have become increasingly prevalent, posing unique threats to the well-being of its star athletes.
Understanding Artificial Turf
Artificial turf often referred to as Astroturf, is a synthetic surface designed to replicate natural grass. It typically consists of a base layer, infill material (usually rubber or sand), and a layer of artificial grass fibers made from materials like polyethylene or nylon. This engineered playing surface is intended to withstand heavy use and provide a consistent playing field for various sports, including American football.
The introduction of artificial turf in NFL stadiums dates back to the 1960s. The Houston Astrodome, home to the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans), was the site of the first major installation. This surface, known as AstroTurf, marked the beginning of artificial turf in professional football. It was primarily adopted to address the challenges of maintaining natural grass indoors and to accommodate multiple sporting events. By 1990, about half of all football stadiums had installed artificial turf.
Artificial turf surfaces have evolved significantly since their inception. Innovations in turf technology have led to safer and more player-friendly surfaces. Notable advancements include the introduction of longer, softer fibers, improved drainage systems, and better shock-absorption materials in the infill.
Some NFL stadiums have experimented with hybrid playing surfaces, combining natural grass with artificial turf to improve durability and reduce maintenance needs. This approach aims to provide the benefits of both surfaces while minimizing the drawbacks.
Despite its advantages, artificial turf has sparked debates within the NFL community. Concerns have been raised regarding its impact on player safety, particularly in relation to non-contact injuries. Players, coaches, and medical experts continue to evaluate the pros and cons of artificial turf.
Artificial Turf’s Physical Toll On Players
Research suggests that NFL players may face a higher risk of non-contact injuries when playing on artificial turf surfaces. These injuries often involve twisting or planting the foot, which can result in ACL tears, ankle sprains, and other joint-related issues. Football players playing on artificial turf have a 32% higher chance of non-contact knee injuries and a 69% higher chance of non-contact foot or ankle injuries.
In November 2022, the NFL Players Association called on six venues to change their current playing surfaces, as reported by the Associated Press. In agreement with a majority of NFL players, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “I prefer natural grass. I’ve listened to all the studies, density studies, I’ve seen all the different compounds they’ve put in there. I still like grass.”
Artificial Turf’s Legal Battles
Several professional and non-professional sports entities have brought legal claims against artificial turf manufacturers. Charges against manufacturers include fraud, breach of warranty, and violation of consumer protection laws. According to Reuters, given the amount of publicity surrounding the NFLPA’s challenges to the use of artificial turf, personal injury lawsuits claiming injuries due to artificial turf may be just around the corner.
Legal claims may be brought against artificial turf manufacturers, companies that create components of the turf, and turf purchasers, such as major sports teams. Falling under the area of law known as product liability, defendants may claim design, marketing, or manufacturing defects or a failure to warn of the dangers of the product.
Product Liability Claims and Lawsuits
Product liability claims are complex and require skill, experience, and the resources to outlast big corporations. The attorneys of Panter, Panter, and Sampedro work closely with engineering, safety, and medical experts to demonstrate to insurance companies and juries how products caused injuries.
With over thirty years of product liability experience, our personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for you. If you have been injured due to artificial turf or other products, we will be in your corner, by your side, every step of the way. Call us today for a free consultation at (305) 662-6178.
Sources:
https://astroturf.com/history/
https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/game-changers-31
https://www.kieferusa.com/blog/history-safety-artificial-turf/
https://nflpa.com/posts/only-natural-grass-can-level-the-nfls-playing-field
https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/synthetic-turf-lawsuits-and-state-news
https://panterlaw.com/product-liability/
