NFL Looking For 'Fresh Ideas' For Fields; Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Need?
FRISCO - NFL playing surfaces is a hot topic. When Aaron Rodgers suffered an ACL tear in Week 1, the debate between artificial turf and grass heated up.
Today, the league announced a crowd-sourced challenge to accelerate innovations that can help make playing surfaces more consistent and safer for players.
NFL players continue to advocate for grass fields because of the link with non-contact lower-body injuries on artificial turf. NFLPA’s new executive director, Lloyd Howell, released a statement in September saying all NFL stadiums need to have natural grass.
Currently, 14 teams out of 32 do not play on real grass. The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers use a combination of turf and grass.
The league is inviting submissions for how it can better its playing surfaces ... and offering a reward.
According to the NFL: "The 'HealthTECH Challenge I' is open to submissions from companies and new ventures from outside the surface industry, including representatives of academic institutions, design houses and other entities that specialize in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and material science."
"The challenge will provide up to $100,000 to entrants with ideas that further improve the safety and consistency of playing surfaces. The individuals or groups who submit projects that are selected for funding will have the opportunity to work with an expert support team to further develop their concept and plan for creating a finished product."
AT&T Stadium
The Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium. Also referred to as 'Jerry World,' the stadium opened in 2009 and has Hellas Matrix Turf. The turf used at the AT&T stadium is made by the same manufacturer as that used at the Houston Texans' NRG Stadium and SoFi Stadium, where both the L.A. Rams and Chargers play.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has traditionally argued against the idea of evidence that grass is safer than top-quality artificial turf.
Meanwhile, to the field - literally ... Dallas is on a 12-game winning streak at home but hit the road this week to face the Carolina Panthers. Quarterback Dak Prescott is on record watch. Prescott has totaled 300 passing yards in three straight games. With 300 yards on Sunday, Prescott would set a franchise record for the most consecutive 300-yard games with four.
Here is everything you need to know:
RECORDS: Dallas Cowboys (6-3) at Carolina Panthers (1-8)
ODDS: Dallas is a 10.5-point favorite vs. the Panthers
GAME TIME: Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 12 p.m. CT
LOCATION: Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte, NC
TV/RADIO: FOX, 105.3 The Fan
THE FINAL WORD: Jones on Dallas' defense:
"I would say this, I'm glad we have this defense," Jones said. "I wouldn't trade this defense for any other in the league."
Follow Bri Amaranthus on Twitter and Instagram
