Aaron Rodgers might’ve kept his comments low-key, but the internet sure didn’t. After the Jets’ loss to Minnesota in London, something felt off—and fans were quick to point out. It was almost like history repeating itself—and not in a way we’d like. 

One fan watching the game tweeted, “Just tuned in to the NFL game in London. Tf is up with the turf? Everyone keeps slipping.” That comment wasn’t just a one-off observation. NFL scout Connie Carberg retweeted, “That’s what Aaron Rodgers mentioned after the game—slippery.”

Rodgers ain’t the first to call out Tottenham’s turf. Last year, after the Bills’ loss to the Jags (25-20) at the same venue, players like CB Taron Johnson voiced their frustrations. Johnson (who hurt his foot) returned to the game but didn’t hold back: “That f—king turf… The turf was terrible here. They have to get rid of it.”

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And the CB wasn’t alone. One unnamed Buffs’ player flat-out said: “We came all the way over to London to play on f—king cement?” Despite Johnson avoiding serious injury, the feedback from the Bills mirrored the sentiments that A-Rod and Jets fans faced today. 

This isn’t the first time turf vs. grass controversy’s stirred up. Data from the NFL and NFLPA’s shown injury rates tend to be higher on turf fields, though the difference was minimal in the 2021 season.

With Aaron Rodgers’ subtle dig and the Bills’ vocal frustrations, the discussion on artificial surfaces, particularly abroad, seems far from over. 

Tottenham turf troubles after 2022 game 

NFL players have plenty to worry about, but playing on “f—king cement” probably shouldn’t be one of them.

October 2022 Sunday’s game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had some folks raising eyebrows about the quality of the field. Pro Football Talk reported that the artificial turf might not be as game-ready as it seems.

The London stadium’s known for hosting Premier League soccer. Plus, it’s the only venue outside North America specifically built for NFL games. Its unique retractable field (designed by replacing natural grass used for soccer) meant to provide a seamless experience—but deep dips where the turf connects are raising injury concerns. 

The quick transition from soccer to football caused more problems than anticipated, as seams in the turf likely led to dangerous injuries.

Although the NFL said everything passed inspection, player frustrations suggested the league might need to rethink its international turf game. Issues with the NFL’s playing surface in London may have passed inspection, but the concerns aren’t going away.