San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has reignited the debate over artificial turf in the NFL.

During a recent appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, the All-Pro voiced his frustration with the league's continued use of synthetic surfaces—especially after stadiums installed natural grass for the FIFA World Cup.

He also provided an update on his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon.

"If you can put grass in MetLife and in SoFi, I think you could do that year-round if you really gave a s**t," Kittle said on Pardon My Take, via 49ers WebZone. "I think, if you polled every single player, I would say probably 90 percent would prefer a grass field."

The NFL continues to face scrutiny over field safety. The venues that normally use artificial turf, such as MetLife Stadium, SoFi Stadium, and AT&T Stadium, have grown natural grass for the FIFA World Cup.

He argued that if stadiums can grow grass for soccer, they can do it for the NFL.

"And I’d say 10 percent would say they don’t care... And so, it’s just like, well, you just show that you can do it, so then, why don’t we do it? Because that’s what the players want to do,” he added via 49ersWebZone.

Players have mentioned that grass surfaces are easier on joints and also reduce the risks of injuries as compared to artificial turf. While the debate remains unsettled, players have always asked for natural grass.

For many players, these recent changes to FIFA raise questions- if stadiums can grow natural grass for international soccer, then why not for the NFL games throughout the season?

Across his nine-year NFL career, Kittle has played home games at Levi's Stadium, which had a natural grass surface. But Kittle believed the NFL should prioritize players' concerns.

However, on the same podcast, Kittle updated about his injury that was caused during the 2026 NFL Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

George Kittle shares an update on his recovery

Kittle is making steady progress in his recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon. As he works on getting ready for Week 1, he revealed that his trainers and surgeon have suggested not to rush the process.

"My trainers are like, 'Yeah, just simmer just a little bit,' Kittle explained, wrote Yardbarker's reporter, Zac Wassink. "Basically, what my surgeon told me is don't be a dumba**, and I'm trying my best to just not be a dumba**."

Kittle was eager to get back on the field but understood the importance of taking things slow.

While the 49ers would love to have one of their offensive leaders back as soon as possible, he is following the advice of the surgeon rather than pushing too hard.

What are your views on George Kittle? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Kalp Thaker