Kelce Calls on Goodell to Act After Nissan Stadium Turf Hits 157 Degrees
The short version
- Travis Kelce urged Roger Goodell and the NFL to move away from artificial turf fields
- On-field temperature at Nissan Stadium was reported at 157F during the Eagles-Titans game
- Players cooled their cleats with water, and some changed footwear as plastic soles softened
- Kelce said players should not be placed on a field that behaves that way and called the situation unacceptable
The Chiefs tight end criticized the NFL for allowing players on an artificial surface that overheated during the Eagles-Titans game in Nashville.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has called on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to address the use of artificial turf fields across the league.
The comments came after the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, where the on-field temperature at Nissan Stadium was reported at 157 degrees Fahrenheit. Players dealt with the extreme heat by pouring water on their cleats, and some reportedly had to swap out footwear because plastic soles were softening.
Nissan Stadium is one of several NFL venues using artificial turf, a surface that has drawn ongoing player-safety scrutiny, including concerns over non-contact injuries.
Speaking on his podcast, Kelce questioned why the league permits such conditions. He said players should not be placed on a field that behaves that way, calling the situation unacceptable and urging the NFL to find a solution.
Cost is often cited as the barrier preventing teams from switching to natural grass, but Kelce's message emphasized that financial considerations should not outweigh player safety.
