NFL: Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns
Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has made his preference clear in the NFL’s ongoing grass-versus-turf debate. Allen believes natural grass is better for player health and injury prevention.
“Yeah, I think grass is healthier for our bodies,” Allen told reporters. He said artificial turf affects how his body feels after practices.
“I’m to a point in my career now that when we practice inside on the artificial, I can feel it the next day,” Allen said, before mentioning how he feels playing in Buffalo’s new $2.1 billion stadium. “When we’re out there, I feel great, and I think any guy that was honest would tell you that’s how they feel.”
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Allen’s comments carry extra weight after Buffalo moved into Highmark Stadium with a natural grass field. The Bills replaced the artificial surface used at their previous stadium.
The quarterback also highlighted a more immediate problem. “I’ve gotten numerous, numerous burns on my legs from artificial turf to the point where I can’t sleep at night because it’s bubbling over,” Allen said.
“It’s very painful,” Allen said, explaining why he welcomes the change in Buffalo.
Josh Allen wants every NFL field converted to grass
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills
Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) avoids a tackle at the New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Allen also linked grass surfaces to injury prevention. “I think it’s healthier injury prevention,” he said, while acknowledging Buffalo will still play road games on turf, since there are only 16 stadiums featuring natural grass.
“If I can snap my fingers and make every field grass, that’s what I would do for sure,” Allen said. His view matches the strong preference for grass among NFL players.
Josh Allen on grass vs turf:
“I’ve gotten numerous burns on my legs from artificial turf that hurt to the point where I can’t sleep at night…
…If I could snap my fingers and make every field grass that’s what I would do.” #BillsMafia #NFL pic.twitter.com/IzR0fkCBkD
— Buffalo Sports Talk (@BUFSportsTalk) August 25, 2026
The surface debate involves more than comfort. Players depend on stable footing during explosive cuts, acceleration and contact, making field quality part of team preparation.
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Buffalo’s new field has already drawn attention after showing signs of wear during preseason action. Bills president Pete Guelli said the surface remains safe and playable.
“It’s Year 1,” Guelli said, via ESPN. “It’s a brand new field and it’s going to take time for the foundation to build up.” The team plans to monitor the grass closely.
For Allen, the switch offers a chance to reduce the physical toll of playing and practicing on synthetic surfaces. That matters for Buffalo’s franchise quarterback.