The Dallas Cowboys are investing heavily in a natural grass field for AT&T Stadium ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb wants to make that change permanent. The five-time Pro Bowler recently took to Instagram to amplify a poll showing 92% of NFL players prefer grass over turf, tagging the league with a simple plea: “please? @nfl.”
According to NBC’s Dallas-Fort Worth affiliate, the Cowboys have spared no expense to meet FIFA’s standards. The project includes growing grass in Colorado, installing a state-of-the-art irrigation system, and using pink lights to promote healthy growth. All told, it’s required roughly 45,000 man-hours and 15,000 tons of shipped materials.
This massive effort has sparked a broader debate about player safety and owner priorities. Many critics note the irony of NFL owners going to such lengths for soccer players while resisting similar changes for their own stars. The situation echoes the recent grass vs. turf debate that has divided the league for years.
Jerry Jones Stands Firm on Turf
When asked about the possibility of keeping natural grass permanently, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was unequivocal: “No.” He argued that artificial turf offers greater flexibility and financial benefits, and he dismissed safety concerns. “We have no belief that it’s any safer to play on grass,” Jones said, via ProFootballTalk. “The turf, actually like many things, improves the economics of being able to play this game and our players are the biggest benefactor of all.”
Jones further defended his position by claiming the financial success of the team directly benefits players. “They get the best benefit of when we do good things financially, the players benefit. So I’m working for you, baby, if you’re a player,” he said. “I’m very comfortable putting some grass down for soccer under regulations and proud to be able to do it, but quickly getting the turf back there to get back to the other business of the stadium and the team.”
This stance puts Jones at odds with several other NFL franchises that successfully maintain natural grass. The Arrowhead Stadium overhaul for the World Cup may offer a blueprint for other venues, but Dallas appears committed to its synthetic surface long-term.
Player Safety and Collective Bargaining
Lamb’s public push highlights a growing frustration among NFL players who feel their safety concerns are being ignored. While FIFA’s leverage forced the Cowboys to install grass for the World Cup, players like Lamb argue that the same investment should be made for their benefit year-round. The league’s collective bargaining agreement will likely be the next battleground for this issue.
For now, the Cowboys’ star receiver is using his platform to rally support, but he faces an uphill battle against one of the NFL’s most powerful owners. As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on AT&T Stadium to see if the temporary grass becomes a permanent fixture—or just another reminder of the league’s priorities.
