San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle made a demand to the NFL on Sunday. He was at MetLife Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. Select stadiums in the United States were modified to suit the needs of the soccer governing body.
This also included the change of the fields from artificial turf to natural grass. On social media, Kittle shared a photo of himself while showing off the grass at MetLife Stadium. He accompanied it with a caption urging the NFL to make the switch for future football games.
“Grass still looks great!” Kittle said. Let’s use grass instead of turf @NFL!! Please? Thanks Guys!”
NFL players have been vocal about wanting to play on natural grass instead of artificial turf. According to reports, the current playing conditions also result in increased cases of injuries.
This is not the first time Kittle has spoken up on this topic. Last month, the NFLPA released a statement on his behalf in which he highlighted how stadiums could have natural grass if they wanted to, just like the effort put in for the World Cup.
“We’ve made it clear that we prefer grass fields,” Kittle said. “We know it’s better on our bodies. And clearly, we know it’s possible based on everything that went into putting down grass fields for the World Cup in each stadium.
“At this point, it comes down to the NFL making it a priority and choosing to invest in us as players, because our bodies are our business, which they get to capitalize on!”
George Kittle himself is returning from an injury
In April 2025, George Kittle agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers. He remained as the starting tight end for the team and helped them qualify for the playoffs.
However, during their wild-card victory over the Eagles, the seven-time Pro Bowler suffered a torn Achilles tendon. He’s spent the offseason rehabilitating from his injury.
On Friday, fans received an encouraging update when a video of Kittle working out in the weight room made headlines on social media.
The 49ers’ 2025 campaign ended with a divisional round loss to the Super Bowl LX champions, the Seattle Seahawks. They kick off the 2026 season with a Week 1 showdown against the Rams in Australia on Sept. 10.
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