Jaxson Dart attends the FIFA Gold Carpet before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match
Jaxson Dart attends the FIFA Gold Carpet before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Jaxson Dart told PEOPLE exclusively at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final that he hopes MetLife Stadium keeps the natural grass installed for the global soccer tournament for the upcoming NFL season
NFL players, including Dart, are advocating for grass fields over artificial turf due to injury concerns
MetLife Stadium’s turf has faced criticism after multiple player injuries, reigniting debates about field safety in the NFL
The grass is always greener.
Speaking to PEOPLE ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart shared his excitement about his team’s home MetLife Stadium playing host to Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the tournament’s finale. Dart, who is entering his second season in the league, then expressed his desire to keep the grass that was installed for World Cup versus artificial turf, which has long been a point of controversy among players.
“This is special,” Dart, 23, told PEOPLE exclusively on the red carpet Sunday. “Hopefully we get to keep the grass. That’s my hope... we got to keep it during the football season.”
Jaxson Dart attends the FIFA Gold Carpet before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match
Jaxson Dart attends the FIFA Gold Carpet before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match
In addition to MetLife Stadium, several venues across the United States replaced artificial turn for grass for the 78 World Cup games this summer, according to ESPN.
Dart’s comments echo a growing push among NFL players for grass surfaces. Before Sunday’s final, ESPN reported that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Washington Commanders tackle Laremy Tunsil spoke out on social media via the hashtag #WorthTheCost.
Jaxson Dart speaks onstage during the fantasy footballers panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026
Jaxson Dart speaks onstage during the fantasy footballers panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026
“If stadiums can make grass work for the World Cup, they can make it work for NFL players. We’re #WorthTheCost,” Washington Commanders offensive Tunsil, 31, wrote Friday, July 17 on X. He also re-posted a message from Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor that read: “Natural grass isn’t out of reach. Prioritizing players shouldn’t be either! We’re #WorthTheCost.”
The turf has been criticized by players and personnel in recent years. Last November, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur called attention to the “hard surface” at MetLife as running back Josh Jacob sustained a knee injury. Dart’s teammate, wide receiver Malik Nabers, also suffered a season-ending ACL tear and damaged meniscus in his right knee during a Giants home game last fall, reviving questions about the condition of the field’s surface.
An executive on a rival team told ESPN last October that members of the club are “petrified” of competing at MetLife amid the FieldTurf surface.
For Dart, who is coming off an impressive rookie year with the Giants, ensuring his teammates are “healthy” and ready to go is priority No. 1.
Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants warms up prior to an NFL football game on September 7, 2025 in Landover, Maryland.
Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants warms up prior to an NFL football game on September 7, 2025 in Landover, Maryland.
“I think the biggest thing is just obviously getting all my boys back healthy is really exciting,” the former first-round pick said Sunday. “I love what we have as a team right now, and the culture that Coach Harbs [Giants head coach John Harbaugh] is building.”
Dart added, “I’m just really excited to put it all together, and go out there on the field.”
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Giants running back Cam Skattebo is working his way back from a brutal ankle injury he sustained on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 26. His leg was pinned beneath him when he was tackled by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.
Skattebo, 24, was back to old tricks this weekend at Fanatics Fest in New York City, where he awkwardly fumbled one of his signature backflips on Saturday, July 18, sparking concern from Giants fans.
“I’m gonna address the elephant. I will not hurt myself before the season,” Skattebo said on a panel at the Michael Rubin-hosted event on Sunday.
The Giants open the 2026 season against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife on Sunday, Sept. 13.