Las Vegas Raiders
· 2026-06-29
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is speaking out against the NFL's use of artificial turf, joining San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle in demanding a change to natural grass.
The 2026 World Cup has highlighted the difference between artificial turf and natural grass, with all stadiums using real grass for the tournament, including those that normally use artificial turf.
Kirk Cousins recently appeared on The Rich Eisen Show, echoing Kittle's plea for the NFL to prioritize player safety and switch to natural grass.
The Raiders are currently standing 11th in the National Football Conference with an 8-9 record, on a four-game winning streak, and are set to play the Miami Dolphins on September 13, 2026.
Cousins is expected to start for the Raiders in the upcoming season, with the team planning to bring in Fernando Mendoza slowly.
According to NFL injury data collected from 2012 to 2018, players have a 28% higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries on artificial turf compared to natural surfaces.
Former NFLPA president JC Tretter has written about the importance of natural grass, citing the lower injury rates and better playing conditions.
The Las Vegas Raiders are adamant that Kirk Cousins will be the starter Week 1, with Andrew Siciliano stating that the team will bring in Mendoza slowly and not force him into the starting role.
Cousins has always preferred playing on natural grass, citing the better feel and lower injury risk.
The NFL has yet to respond to the calls for change, but with players like Cousins and Kittle speaking out, it may be forced to reconsider its stance on artificial turf.