The Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets on the first-ever NFL Black Friday game. It came at a cost. Star defensive player Jaelan Phillips tore his Achilles and is done for the year. After the game, running back Raheem Mostert slammed the MetLife turf saying it has to change.
#Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert says the NFL needs to change turf at the #Jets/#Giants MetLife Stadium.
Mostert: "We’ve got to do something about this turf and this playing surface. It's still a major problem."
"It just has to change."
It seems #NFL teams owners are against the… https://t.co/vqpT3c1HhT pic.twitter.com/8eMcLGAifm
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 25, 2023
Miami Dolphins Raheem Mostert Slams MetLife Turf
“We’ve got to do something about this turf and this playing surface. It’s still a major problem. It just has to change.” Mostert said after the game. Players have long complained about the turf at the stadium. The debate started four snaps into the season when Aaron Rodgers went down with an Achilles injury. Players are rightfully concerned about playing on a surface that could have an effect on their livelihood. So far the owners have been against this due to cost but at some point, they are going to have to fold.
Money Lost In Players As Well
Players help drive revenue. Let’s take Rodgers for example. If he plays this season, the Jets are likely getting more fans to the games and maybe even be in the playoff picture. A playoff run would add revenue due to possible home games and playoff merchandise. I get that the cost of completely redoing a surface is a lot but at some point, the risk to the players isn’t worth it. This will likely be something that the NFLPA fights for in the next CBA negotiations.
Mostert is done with the artificial turf. Other players are too. Will we see a change at some point or will we continue to see a string of injuries in New York?