Madeline Roden

Northwest United football player R.J. Barksdale returns an interception against Platt Tech in a game played on artificial turf. Recent injuries in the NFL on turf fields have ignited debate about the surface’s safety.

WOODBURY — After New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon and numerous other NFL players have suffered season-ending knee injuries, controversy about turf fields is at an all time high. Many NFL players have spoken out about the issues with turf fields. 

NFL wide receiver Deebo Samuel is one of many players who like grass better than turf. 

“I am a firm believer of grass,” Samuel said, according to Yahoo Sports. “In the position I play, I would prefer playing on grass any day.”

According to a study done by the NFL Players’ Association, turf is scientifically proven to have less give than grass, causing up to a 69% more chance of ankle and knee injuries.

Many high schools have installed turf fields over the past two decades. One reason is because maintaining a quality grass field is very expensive.

Ryan Campanario, a gym teacher and coach at Nonnewaug, sees both sides of the issue.

“I do believe that turf is more dangerous than grass, but to have high schools maintain a quality grass field is just unrealistic,” said Campanario. 

Athletes around Nonnewaug agreed, saying turf is more realistic for high schools. Junior R.J. Barksdale plays football and baseball so he has experience on both surfaces.

“I like playing on turf just because of the inconsistency of grass fields, but you can definitely feel the affects of turf on your body after games,” said Barksdale.

However, Northwest United’s James Shaughnessy broke his tibia during a football game played at Nonnewaug.

“I think my foot got stuck in the turf, and that’s part of the reason for the injury,” said Shaughnessy.

Nonnewaug athletic trainer Sean McGee sees all type of injuries, whether they happen on grass or turf. 

“Turf does cause more injuries and professional leagues should turn to grass, but at the high school levels, unmaintained grass fields can be equally dangerous,” said McGee. 

The quality and maintenance of grass fields is a deciding factor in high schools turning to turf. On the other hand, many professional athletes want their leagues should return to natural grass because they have the money and time.