“Take Some of the Money Y’all Make Off Us”: NFL Publicly Blamed by Green Bay Packers Star After Multiple Teammates Suffer Injuries Courtesy of Artificial Turf

The Greenbay Packers lost their encounter with second-to-bottom-ranked Detroit Lions on their trip to Detroit this past weekend. This loss moved the Packers to 3-6 for the year. Apart from leaving Detroit with a loss, The Packers also left with a long list of injuries. De’Vondre Campbell becomes the latest player to question the NFL about this concerning issue.

The Packers took to the contest with two of their players ruled out and 5 players questionable for playing time. All these questionable players were nursing injuries they have picked during the season or in recent games. 

NFL guilty of not providing players protection?

The Packers’ linebacker didn’t participate in training through the week post picking up a knee injury against the Bills. The linebacker was a huge miss against the Lions as The Packers looked like they could use some help on defense. To add to their woes, The Packers ended the game with 8 in-game injuries. 2 of which were head-related injuries. However, the rest were all concerning the functionality of players’ limbs. De’Vondre Campbell didn’t hesitate to call out the league in relation to these concerning injuries. 

Several players have complained about playing surfaces across the league and expressed their interest in natural grass surfaces. The playing surface has been of concern as players pick up more and more non-contact injuries during games. Players have gone on record to compare artificial turf to playing on cement.

While the dangers of the sport loom large just due to the nature of the game, the correct playing surface is important for player protection. As ‘rolled ankle’ and ‘torn ACL’ become more commonly used vocabulary in the NFL community, the NFL must address player concerns. These injuries affect the longevity of players’ careers and also have long-lasting impacts on their lives, which go beyond the field.

Urgent need for change

With all the explosive and quick rapid movements, field cushioning is a key element to ensuring safety. Natural grass grounds require more investment, but that amount is marginal compared to the revenue the league and clubs generate. Campbell raises a valid point when he says, “Take some of the money Y’all make off us.” The players are the face of the league and are the primary revenue-generating entities. Their physical well-being must be of primary concern as the league progresses.  

De’Vondre Campbell raises an important concern as his teammates have been prey to below-average playing surfaces. With 8 guys having a question mark for availability for their next game, The Packers have quite a bit to worry about. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs’ doubtfulness for the game is a big concern as the Packers take on the Cowboys next. The Cowboys are a force this year and with both their linesmen Rashan Gary and Campbell, doubtful this will be quite a challenge. Aaron Rodgers will hope for running back Aaron Jones to return to fitness. These extensive injuries just add to the poor start to the Packers’ season.