Pittsburgh Steelers captain Cam Heyward has openly criticized the condition of the Acrisure Stadium field following Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. His comments highlight ongoing concerns among players regarding the playing surface, which is now being replaced.
Key Takeaways
- Steelers captain Cam Heyward called the Acrisure Stadium field condition "crap."
- Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Coach Mike Tomlin also noted the poor turf.
- Special teams captain Miles Killebrew sustained a significant knee injury, potentially linked to the field.
- The stadium management began replacing the turf immediately after Sunday's game.
- The new field will be used by the Pitt Panthers on October 25 and the Steelers on October 26.
Player Concerns Over Field Quality Emerge
The state of the Acrisure Stadium field became a significant topic among Pittsburgh Steelers players after their recent game. Several players expressed their dissatisfaction, noting the poor quality of the turf. This discussion gained traction almost immediately after the game concluded.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who played on the field, commented on its condition during his postgame press conference. He suggested that such poor turf is typically seen much later in the season, usually in November or December. This indicates an unusual deterioration for this point in the year.
Field Condition Timeline
- Sunday: Steelers vs. Browns game played on criticized turf.
- Monday: Coach Tomlin and Cam Heyward publicly address concerns.
- Immediately after game: Turf removal begins.
- October 25: Pitt Panthers to play on new sod.
- October 26: Steelers to host Green Bay on new turf.
Heyward's Blunt Assessment and Injury Link
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the issue during his weekly news conference on Monday. He described the field as "poor," acknowledging the problems observed by his team and others. Tomlin's assessment confirmed the players' concerns.
When asked for his opinion as the NFL Players Association representative for the team, Cam Heyward did not hesitate. He offered a straightforward and unfiltered response regarding the playing surface.
"Honestly, it was (crap)," Heyward stated bluntly. "I lost one of my teammates and it kind of makes me sad about it."
Heyward's comment about losing a teammate refers to special teams captain Miles Killebrew. Killebrew suffered a significant knee injury during Sunday's game. While the injury has not been directly attributed to the field conditions by official statements, Heyward's remarks suggest a strong perceived connection among the players.
Understanding NFL Field Surfaces
NFL stadiums use various field types, including natural grass and artificial turf. Natural grass fields require extensive maintenance to remain in optimal playing condition, especially throughout a demanding football season. Factors like weather, frequency of games, and stadium design can impact turf quality. Player safety is a primary concern when evaluating field conditions, as poor surfaces can increase the risk of injuries.
Preference for Natural Grass and Replacement Efforts
Despite his criticism of the field, Cam Heyward clarified that he prefers natural grass over artificial turf. He emphasized that the issue was not with the type of surface itself, but with its quality on Sunday.
"I like grass, but that wasn't grass we played on," Heyward explained, highlighting the substandard condition of the natural turf.
Coach Tomlin indicated that he does not foresee ongoing problems with the field. This confidence stems from immediate actions taken by stadium management. Workers began removing the existing turf at Acrisure Stadium right after the game against Cleveland.
The entire field is being replaced with new sod. This rapid replacement aims to resolve the issues before the next scheduled games. The new playing surface is expected to be ready very soon.
Upcoming Use of the New Field
The first team to play on the newly installed field will be the Pitt Panthers. They are scheduled to use the surface on October 25. This will be an important test for the fresh sod.
Following the Panthers' game, the Pittsburgh Steelers will return to Acrisure Stadium. They are set to host Green Bay on Sunday Night, October 26. Both teams will be playing on a completely new field, hopefully avoiding the problems encountered last Sunday.
Player Union Representation and Future Outlook
As the local representative for the NFL Players Association, Heyward is aware of the concerns among his teammates. However, he noted his limited direct ability to fix the field conditions himself.
"I can't do anything," Heyward acknowledged. "I'm not a landscaper. I'm not going to act like I am, but hopefully it's handled by the next time we play."
This situation marks one of the worst field conditions at Acrisure Stadium in a long time. The grounds crew will be under close scrutiny to ensure the new surface meets professional standards. The focus is on providing a safe and consistent playing environment for future games.
The swift action to replace the turf demonstrates the stadium's commitment to player safety and game quality. All eyes will be on the new field in the coming weeks to see if these efforts resolve the reported issues.