New York Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips has joined the growing chorus of NFL players advocating for a return to natural grass playing surfaces in stadiums. Speaking ahead of the 2026 NFL season, Phillips highlighted the preference among players for grass fields, citing the recent use of natural turf at MetLife Stadium during the summer World Cup as a positive example.

MetLife Stadium, home to both the Jets and the New York Giants, is scheduled to revert to artificial turf for football season. Phillips noted the complexity involved in switching to grass permanently at the venue, pointing to challenges including the dual tenancy of two NFL teams and the difficulty of maintaining a high-quality grass surface during colder months.

“It’s a very complicated argument, but I want to stand firm that players prefer good, natural grass,” Phillips said. He also acknowledged that some athletes may resist playing on subpar grass fields, underscoring the need for well-maintained surfaces to ensure player safety and satisfaction.

Phillips expressed optimism about the potential for change, emphasizing that stadium owners and management could be receptive if a compelling case is made. He cited Jets owner Woody Johnson’s recent investments in player facilities as an indication of his willingness to prioritize player needs.

“We’re going to have one of the best facilities not just in the National Football League, but in all of professional sports,” Phillips said. “That’s an owner that says, I want to win and I want to do whatever the players need for that. If there is a way to get the players what we want and natural grass is feasible and we can show that that’s going to make us a healthier team, I believe our owner would definitely hear that out.”

Phillips, who is active in the NFL Players Association, suggested that solutions exist to balance the demands of multiple teams and seasonal weather conditions while accommodating player preferences. However, no official plans have been announced to alter the playing surface at MetLife Stadium beyond the current turf installation.

As the NFL offseason progresses, the debate over grass versus artificial turf continues, with player safety and performance remaining central to discussions among teams, owners, and league officials.