In recent years, the issue of player injuries on artificial turf has been a hot topic of debate in the National Football League (NFL). Players have consistently complained about the higher injury rates they experience on artificial turf compared to natural grass. A new independent study by Ryan Whalen and colleagues from the Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Colorado sheds light on this issue and provides valuable insights into the impact of different types of artificial turf on player injuries. This critical analysis aims to examine the study’s findings in-depth and evaluate their implications for the NFL and player safety.
Until the 1960s, football was exclusively played on natural grass. However, the debut of Houston’s Astrodome, the first fully enclosed major league baseball stadium, marked a turning point. The introduction of AstroTurf, an artificial turf, revolutionized playing surfaces in professional sports. The easier upkeep and durability of artificial turf made it an attractive choice for multipurpose stadiums. Nevertheless, players soon began to voice concerns about the hardness and grip of these surfaces, which led to an increase in injuries.
Whalen’s study analyzed injury data from the NFL database spanning from 2016 to 2021. The researchers identified that every type of common injury occurred more frequently on artificial turf compared to natural grass. The study also explored the impact of different artificial turf types on injury rates. Slit-film turf, known for its softer feel and ability to break down with use, was associated with higher injury rates compared to stiffer monofilament surfaces and natural grass.
Injury Comparison
The data revealed that various types of injuries, including ankle, hamstring, groin, calf, quadriceps, ACL, MCL, leg/ankle/foot fractures, and Achilles tendon injuries, were more prevalent on artificial surfaces. For example, ankle injuries occurred at a rate of 0.561 per game on artificial turf compared to 0.498 on natural grass. MCL injuries demonstrated the most significant disparity, with a 62% higher rate on artificial turf (0.089 per game) compared to natural grass (0.055 per game). However, injury rates were similar between natural grass and monofilament surfaces for many injury types.
Of particular interest was the comparison between slit-film turf and the combination of natural grass and non-slit artificial surfaces. Slit-film turf demonstrated higher injury rates for ankle, hamstring, quadriceps, and Achilles tendon injuries. Conversely, ACL tears, groin pulls, and lower extremity fractures were less frequent on slit-film turf compared to grass and monofilament surfaces. Notably, ankle injuries appeared to be a significant concern on slit-film turf, with a rate of 0.671 per game, compared to 0.515 on other types of surfaces.
The findings of Whalen’s study challenge the notion that rising injury rates are solely attributable to the increased size, strength, and speed of players. They suggest that the playing surface itself plays a significant role in player injuries. These findings have critical implications for the NFL and players’ association (NFLPA) in developing guidelines to mitigate injury risks associated with different playing surfaces. By considering the specific characteristics of turf types, the NFL can adopt measures to limit the number of injuries players are exposed to during games.
The independent study by Ryan Whalen and colleagues provides compelling evidence that artificial turf contributes to higher injury rates compared to natural grass in the NFL. The study highlights the significance of slit-film turf in exacerbating injury risks. These findings call for a reevaluation of playing surface standards and guidelines in professional football to prioritize player safety. By addressing the unique challenges posed by different turf types, the NFL and NFLPA can work together to ensure a safer environment for players and reduce the occurrence of debilitating injuries.