NFL fans everywhere had a similar reaction when New York Giants receiver Sterling Shepard went down with a non-contact injury during Monday night’s game against the Cowboys. It was absolutely awful to watch and later confirmed to be a torn ACL.
And many, including Los Angeles Rams receiver Odell Beckham Jr., want to see something done about artificial turf in outdoor stadiums — specifically, at MetfLife Stadium.
Beckham — who is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in the Super Bowl — spent five seasons with the Giants and knows all too well how rough that turf can be on a player’s body. After watching Shepard go down after simply running in a straight line, Beckham had seen enough. He called out how ridiculous it was that the Giants play on artificial turf. Notably, Beckham was playing on turf both times he suffered a torn ACL.
Just get rid of it all the fkngether bro. Billions made off this game I can’t understand why we can’t play on grass. That shxt is rough. Prayers up for my brother. Shxt just hurt my heart 🤕
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) September 27, 2022
Obviously, natural grass is more forgiving on a player’s body. But MetLife Stadium is shared between the Giants and Jets. It’s hard to imagine a natural grass field holding up to that much wear and tear — along with the New Jersey climate in the winter months. But at the very least, something should be done to address the turf at MetLife Stadium. The 2026 World Cup will require natural grass at MetLife Stadium. So, if it can be done for that — might as well get a head start on it now.
These non-contact injuries are beyond concerning.
NFL fans also had thoughts on Beckham’s tweet.