​Jerry Jones’ FIFA World Cup plan puts him on wrong side of NFL debate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The NFL remains split between artificial turf and natural grass, but Jerry Jones now faces growing opposition from across the league. New comments from an NFL owner, a head coach, current players, and league survey data have added fresh weight to the argument against the surface the Dallas Cowboys continue to use.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJones defended artificial turf in April after being asked whether the Cowboys would keep the natural grass installed for the FIFA World Cup. He said AT&T Stadium benefits from the flexibility turf provides and added he does not believe grass is safer. Jones also argued that the financial savings benefit players.Others around the league see the issue differently.Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis told the Los Angeles Times he has always believed football should be played on grass because of player safety. He said Allegiant Stadium’s retractable Bermuda grass system costs more to maintain, but the expense is justified.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton also expects more NFL stadiums to adopt grass where possible. He pointed to the physical demands placed on linemen and said the sport differs from others that use the same venues.The criticism is not limited to owners and coaches.During Cowboys’ minicamp, safety Julius Wood said football is meant to be played on grass. He added that players feel the difference, describing artificial turf as more taxing than natural grass.League-wide opinion supports that view. A 2026 NFL Players Association survey of 1,700 players found that 92 percent prefer grass fields. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has also called on the league to replace artificial turf.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJones has not suggested the Cowboys will reconsider their playing surface after the World Cup. As more voices line up behind natural grass, his position stands increasingly apart from many players, coaches, and fellow owners.Colts ready to dump once-promising franchise QB as Cowboys emerge in surprise trade buzzJosh Allen earns honor Patrick Mahomes held for yearsJerry Jones could soon face an unexpected Christian Parker problemJerry Jones’ $96 million investment at guard is already paying off according to executives around the leagueNFL coaches admit they were wrong about one part of Lamar Jackson’s game