Titans Talk Turf: Tannehill Answers 'I Don't Love It' When Discussing Playing Surface Changes

The Tennessee Titans will be switching from a grass playing surface to a turf field at Nissan Stadium this fall and the team's starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill is not a fan of the change.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans made select players available to the media on Wednesday as the team continues the early portions of the offseason workout schedule. Among those who spoke was Ryan Tannehill. When asked about the Titans changing from grass to turf at Nissan Stadium, Tannehill was open about the fact he was not a fan of the switch.

Tannehill has been open in the past about his preference of grass playing surfaces. The NFLPA also has come out in favor of playing on grass. Tannehill was asked about the Titans' change and was open about how he felt.

"I don't love it," Tannehill explained. "I've always enjoyed playing in grass more than turf. Just easier on your body, your joints, you skin as you're on the ground, but that is where we're at right now."

Tannehill also acknowledge that there are a lot of teams around the NFL using turf. So, this isn't something entirely brand new to him. Tannehill hit on one of the NFL's reasons for championing turf, quality of play, as well. 

"Played a lot of games on turf, we're going to play a lot more games on turf now," Tannehill said. "I don't think it affects the quality of the game or anything, but it definitely affects how you feel the next day."

As a long-time veteran in the NFL it makes sense that Tannehill would have these type of "quality of life" issues in mind. He has gone through the rigors of an NFL career and knows the type of damage it can do. Tannehill's younger teammates don't seem to mind as much.

Tight end Chig Okonkwo gave his thoughts on the playing surface change.

Okonkwo explained, "I've never really been a dude who cared about playing surface. Turf, grass, I don't really care. I don't really look at all that stuff like that."

The Titans will be using a type of turf on the home field that they currently use in their practice bubble. Okonkwo was asked if that makes him feel more comfortable with the change.

"I guess. I always hear guys talking about they don't like turf cause of, like, non-contact stuff, but I don't think I've ever really had a problem with turf." Okonkwo referenced his previous playing days, "I had turf all throughout college and high school and stuff."

Titans second-year player Roger McCreary also said he didn't mind the switch and talked about the familiarity of the playing surface in the practice bubble.

"I just found out about (the switch) this week. I mean, I'll play on grass, turf, no matter what. I'm just going out to play so it don't matter what the field is. It's the same(as the practice field), so it's great, ain't no big deal to me."

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