As a lifelong NY Giants fan who has spent countless hours watching games at MetLife Stadium — the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets — I can no longer stay silent.

Game after game, season after season, players we love have gone down with devastating knee, leg, and ankle injuries. These aren’t freak accidents — they are the direct result of the unsafe synthetic turf at MetLife Stadium.

Too many promising careers have been derailed. Too many athletes have been robbed of their future. Too many fans have been left watching their heroes carted off the field.

The Tragic List of Injuries at MetLife

Aaron Rodgers (Jets) — Torn Achilles tendon, 2023 home opener.
Nick Bosa (49ers) — Torn ACL, 2020.
Solomon Thomas (49ers) — Torn ACL, 2020.
Blake Martinez (Giants) — Torn ACL, 2021.
Jabrill Peppers (Giants) — Torn ACL, 2021.
Rodarius Williams (Giants) — Torn ACL, 2021.
Sterling Shepard (Giants) — Torn ACL, 2022.
Wan’Dale Robinson (Giants) — Torn ACL, 2022.
Kyle Fuller (Ravens) — Torn ACL, 2022.
Dawuane Smoot (Jaguars) — Torn Achilles, 2022 vs Jets.
Tyler Larsen (Commanders) — Dislocated kneecap, 2022 vs Jets.
Matt Peart (Giants) — Torn ACL, 2021.
Levine Toilolo (Giants) — Achilles injury, 2021.
Shane Lemieux (Giants) — Patellar tendon tear, 2021.
Darrian Beavers (Giants) — Torn ACL, 2022.
Marcus McKethan (Giants) — Cruciate ligament tear, 2022.
Malik Nabers (Giants) — Carted off with a knee injury, 2025.
Joe Alt (Chargers) — Ankle injury, 2025 at MetLife.

And the list goes on. Since 2020, at least 36 players have suffered season-ending lower-body injuries at MetLife. 14 of them were ACL or Achilles tears — injuries that can permanently alter a career.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

According to NFLPA data:  Non-contact lower-body injuries are 28% more likely on turf than grass. Non-contact knee injuries are 32% higher on turf. Non-contact foot/ankle injuries are 69% higher on turf.

MetLife has become infamous among players, coaches, and fans as one of the most dangerous fields in the NFL. Even visiting teams have openly blamed the turf for catastrophic injuries.

Giants and Jets Fans Deserve Better

As if the injuries weren’t enough, New York football has been stuck in misery. In 2024, the Giants and Jets combined for a 5–21 record — one of the worst in NFL history. Our players, our fans, and our city deserve better than unsafe turf and embarrassing results.

Time for Change

When the FIFA Club World Cup and World Cup come to MetLife, the stadium is installing real grass. If it’s good enough for international soccer, why not for our football players who put their bodies on the line every week?

John Mara, Woody Johnson: the time is now. Protect our players, protect our teams, and bring real football back to safer ground.

➡️ Remove the synthetic turf

➡️ Install natural grass permanently

➡️ Put player safety above profit

To give you some perspective, MetLife Stadium has seen a notorious number of debilitating injuries. Most recently, football stars like Aaron Rodgers have suffered torn Achilles tendons while playing on this treacherous field. This trend is alarming and demands our immediate attention. We need to advocate for the safety and longevity of our athletes’ careers by installing natural grass at MetLife Stadium.

Numerous studies and reports have shown that natural grass is a safer option for players, significantly reducing the risk of lower-body injuries compared to synthetic turf. The NFL Players Association has repeatedly called for the removal of artificial turf fields, citing player safety concerns.

Let's take a lesson from other stadiums that have successfully made the transition from artificial turf to natural grass, improving player safety and the overall game experience. By replacing the turf with grass, MetLife Stadium will not only provide a safer environment but also enhance the players’ performance and potentially extend their careers.

It's time for the stakeholders of MetLife Stadium, including the Giants and the Jets, to prioritize player safety over convenience or cost. The wellbeing of these athletes should be the foremost concern, and a change in the playing surface is a necessary step towards protecting their future in the sport.

Sign this petition to urge the management of MetLife Stadium and the involved NFL authorities to replace the current turf with natural grass. Together, we can make a difference and help prevent further injuries, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for our football heroes. Join our call to action now!