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NFL Players Association says Ford Field poses an on-field health hazard

Detroit Lions 2022 season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on Sep. 11, 2022.
Ryan Schira
/
WDET
Detroit Lions 2022 season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on Sep. 11, 2022.

The Detroit Lions are reportedly among the top ten NFL teams for sustaining injuries this year. 

The NFL Players Association says Ford Field poses a health hazard for those on the gridiron. The union says players want to immediately ban the kind of field turf used in six NFL stadiums, including Detroit’s.

Union officials claim data shows more foot and ankle injuries occur on the turf known as “slit film” than on other fields, even when a player is not hit by another.

The Detroit Lions are reportedly among the top ten NFL teams for sustaining injuries this year.

The player’s union also contends that NFL experts are aware of the data, but the league has refused to either remove the turf or commit to not using it in the future.

NFL officials counter that they’ve found no significant difference between the number of injuries that occur on grass or synthetic football fields.

Quinn Klinefelter is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, anchoring midday newscasts and preparing reports for WDET, NPR and the BBC.