The new policy will be introduced in 2026, and fully integrated by 2028
In a new, unprecedented move aimed at combating the surging number of player injuries seemingly increasing annually, the NFL and the NFLPA (NFL Players Association) have agreed to implement a new model for all playing surfaces across every stadium in the league. This agreement will require each team to select from a pre-approved selection of styles and metrics for both synthetic and natural fields.
In 2026, any franchise seeking to replace its stadium turf will be able to make the change earlier if desired, though by 2028, it will become fully mandatory across the NFL.
“We want to make sure that we’re supporting our clubs, and we’re supporting our athletes,” said Nick Pappas, the NFL’s field director, before continuing, “and ensuring that every field that enters our league is meeting the requirements that we believe are, obviously, ever-evolving but the right ones.”
As the policy becomes the standard for every field in the coming years, it will not affect the typical replacement period for playing turfs—roughly 2–3 years for synthetic surfaces, while natural fields can be replaced several times each season as needed.
This massive change is the latest effort by the NFL and NFLPA, along with the introduction of the Guardian Cap Helmet model in 2024, as part of sweeping revamps in safety with the goal of better protecting players on the field and updating the overall minimum level of safety assurance.