FRISCO – NFL playing surfaces are a hot topic. When Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn ACL in Week 1, the artificial turf versus turf debate heated up.
Today, the league announced a crowdsourced challenge aimed at accelerating innovations that can help make playing surfaces more consistent and safer for players.
NFL players continue to advocate for turf fields due to the link to non-contact lower body injuries on artificial turf. New NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell released a statement in September saying all NFL stadiums must have natural turf.
Currently, 14 out of 32 teams do not play on real grass. The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers use a combination of turf and grass.
The league is calling for proposals on how it can improve its playing surfaces…and offering a reward.
According to the NFL: “The “HealthTECH Challenge I” is open to applications from companies and new businesses outside of the surfaces industry, including representatives from academic institutions, design houses and other entities specializing in engineering, advanced manufacturing and materials science. “
“The challenge will provide up to $100,000 to participants with ideas that will further improve the safety and uniformity of playing surfaces. Individuals or groups who submit selected projects for funding will have the opportunity to work with a expert support team to further develop their project. concept and plan to create a finished product.
AT&T Stadium
The Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium. Also called “Jerry World”, the stadium opened in 2009 and features the Hellas Matrix Turf. The turf used at AT&T Stadium is made by the same manufacturer used at NRG Stadium and the Houston Texans’ SoFi Stadium, where the LA Rams and Chargers play.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has traditionally opposed the idea of evidence that turf is safer than premium artificial turf.
Meanwhile, on the field – literally… Dallas is on a 12-game home winning streak but hit the road this week to take on the Carolina Panthers. Quarterback Dak Prescott is under record scrutiny. Prescott has 300 passing yards in three straight games. With 300 yards on Sunday, Prescott would set a franchise record for most consecutive 300-yard games with four.
Here’s everything you need to know:
FILES: Dallas Cowboys (6-3) at Carolina Panthers (1-8)
ODDS: Dallas is a 10.5 point favorites against the Panthers
GAME TIME: Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 12 p.m. CT
LOCATION: Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, North Carolina
TV/RADIO: FOX, 105.3 The Fan
THE LAST WORD: Jones on Dallas’ defense:
“I will say this: I’m glad we have this defense,” Jones said. “I wouldn’t trade this defense for any other in the league.”
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