San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle says the NFL can play all games on natural grass, pointing to how FIFA World Cup matches are staged in NFL stadiums. In comments on a podcast, Kittle argues that stadium operators show they can install or use grass for soccer even in venues that typically use artificial turf for American football. He questions why NFL teams do not switch more often—or permanently—to grass, suggesting that owners and league leadership are not prioritizing the change.
Multiple outlets report that Kittle contrasts the World Cup’s field conditions with NFL regular-season surfaces, noting that players have taken notice of the difference when soccer is played on grass inside NFL stadiums. His remarks frame the World Cup as evidence that the infrastructure and willingness to provide grass already exists for at least some marquee events.
The comments also draw broad attention online, with fans reacting to Kittle’s critique and his broader argument that owners should apply the same field standards year-round if they “really” choose to do so.
