Magnum always advocates for natural sod over artificial turf, but you don’t have to take our word for it! Recently we sat down with some of the biggest players* in the game to see why athletes prefer natural over artificial fields. From world-class stadiums to Friday night lights near you, natural grass is preventing injuries related to artificial turf!
*All names and brands have been omitted out of respect for the entities and athletes involved.
The First Time
I was a linebacker in the 90’s when I experienced multiple knee injuries that ended up ending my career early. In my last season, I suffered a severely torn ACL that made me make some very difficult decisions. Since then, I continue to use this experience to advocate for change and help other athletes understand the dangers of artificial turf and injuries by helping them understand the aspects that led to my life on the sidelines.
Surface Rigidity
Artificial turf was much more rigid than natural grass in the 90s. With all that hot, slick rubber, it’s a wonder there weren’t more ankle and knee injuries back then! That harder surface changes the way your feet pivot and how hard you can hit.
Playing Style
My aggressive playing style and position put me at a much higher risk of injury on any surface. However, the fateful addition of artificial turf and injuries prior turned me into a statistic I wouldn’t wish on any athlete. Now, I’m helping athletes stay safe on these surfaces with additional PT paired with techniques designed to perform on artificial surfaces.
“Wait; I’m Not the Only One?”
That’s what a lot of athletes say after they get out of the training room with an injury related to artificial turf. Even legends trip up sometimes! In a crucial game, a hall of fame quarterback almost had their career end early, which led to the call for natural turf.
In 2008, I was playing a must-win game when I felt my feet slip like I was setting up a pass on sand. I went down in seconds, and when I talked to the trainers that day, they told me I had a near career ending ankle injury. This continued to plague my playing throughout my career, and in hindsight, these surfaces cost me a lot more than just a couple of games.
Time to Make a Change
A lot has changed in sports leagues around the world since then. Players have more say when it comes to what happens on the field, including the surfaces we prefer to play on. While there are still artificial turf and injuries, leadership has taken steps forward to keep players safe.
A National Database Study” by Rizzieri in 2024 evaluated ER visits related to artificial turf and injuries between 2013 and 2022. By cross-referencing hundreds of reports, these insights shed a shocking light on the risk factors associated with artificial turf.
Head Injuries
This study found that concussions were the most common injury type related to sports activities on artificial turf. Our guests have seen the worst of these injuries during the game and long after the final whistle blows. Artificial turf and injuries have lasting effects on people’s lives on and off the field.
Other Injuries
Rizzieri’s study found that scary injuries such as fractures, lacerations, and dislocations were prevalent among male athletes. Further research into these findings showed that female athletes were more prone to internal injuries and turf burns. With hundreds of other studies like this, sports leagues around the world are going back to natural turf to keep athletes safe.
Going the Distance With Magnum
There are many more reasons to go all natural when rolling out new sports fields. In addition to safer surfaces, Magnum is helping venues save time and money with the best equipment, parts, and netting on the market! See how Magnum helps farmers, installers, and communities go the distance by talking to our team today.
