With the NFL offseason in its lull period, the talk of the town in Boston and its surrounding areas is all about the World Cup, as Gillette Stadium is one of the hosts for the international event. Big changes have been made to the grounds, with a lot of Patriots memorabilia being covered for the games, and the field has switched from artificial turf to real grass.
That has been a hot topic in the NFL in recent years, with many players voicing their preference for grass over turf, especially when it comes to helping to avoid injuries.
Patriots players have made their opinions known, too, and it has become a talking point this offseason with the World Cup being held at their home stadium. Although they won't be practicing until the games are over, so they won't be able to play on grass, a few players made it clear they want to see the Krafts make the change sooner rather than later.
It's a strong message to the owner that can no longer be ignored, particularly when the evidence shows players are less likely to be injured on grass than on turf, so it should be something the organization seriously considers.
Patriots players are not shy about their distaste for Gillette Stadium's artificial turf
With the World Cup making all the headlines, it was inevitable that Patriots players would be asked for their thoughts on the event, as well as the ever-controversial topic of field conditions.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson is one who shared his preference for grass, noting the significant difference it makes on his body, which is likely a feeling shared by many of his teammates, as well.
"Playing on grass is a lot less taxing on the knees and ankles and joints like that."
That should be enough for any team to consider making the change to natural grass, but apparently, it hasn't been thus far for teams like the Patriots.
But hearing someone like Brenden Schooler reiterate the same point, as well as add even more logic into the argument, should persuade Robert Kraft to make the switch sooner rather than later, particularly if he hopes to see the Patriots continue their rise to relevancy again.
"Just speaking personally for myself, I love playing on grass. I think it’s got more give on it, doesn’t hurt as bad when you fall. When it’s freezing out, it doesn’t cut you up as bad as turf does. You don’t have to worry about turf burn.
And I think from doing my own research and looking at data and stuff, I think turf — you have the unfortunate thing that you kind of get caught up, and guys get rolled up on, and your knee gets, or ankle gets stuck. And like I was saying, grass has got a little bit more give."
If Stevenson and Schooler didn't do enough to convince, we also heard from Kevin Byard III and Milton Williams, both of whom echoed their teammates' feelings on the matter, emphasizing the negative effects of turf on the body and even their performance.
That's a long list of players all saying the same thing, and hopefully, Kraft is listening and will either make the change immediately or, at the very least, look into getting it done.
The Patriots are a massive investment, so ensuring that the team is in the best hands to succeed, which includes field conditions, should be treated with the utmost respect. That's why Kraft might want to take the players' concerns more seriously and make the necessary changes.
It could make all the difference in the world for their upcoming season and more, and that should be one of the most important aspects of keeping the team successful.
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