Jerry Jones is finding himself more isolated in the NFL’s turf-versus-grass fight.
The Cowboys owner has defended artificial turf before, including in April when he was asked whether Dallas would keep the natural grass installed for the FIFA World Cup. Jones pointed to the flexibility AT&T Stadium gets from turf, said he does not believe grass is safer, and argued that the financial savings help players.
But the league conversation has moved in the other direction.
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis told the Los Angeles Times that he has always believed football should be played on grass because of player safety. Davis acknowledged that Allegiant Stadium’s retractable Bermuda grass system is more expensive to maintain, but said the cost is worth it.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton echoed that thinking, saying he expects more NFL stadiums to move to grass where possible. He cited the physical toll on linemen and noted that football is different from other sports that share those same buildings.
The pushback also came from inside the Cowboys’ own building. During minicamp, safety Julius Wood said football is meant to be played on grass and added that players can feel the difference, describing artificial turf as more taxing than natural grass.
The numbers back up that sentiment. A 2026 NFL Players Association survey of 1,700 players found that 92 percent prefer grass fields. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has also urged the league to get rid of artificial turf.
Jones has not indicated the Cowboys are rethinking their surface after the World Cup. For now, his view remains at odds with a growing chorus of players, coaches and owners around the league.
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