The Pittsburgh Steelers came out of Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season with a big AFC North win against the Cleveland Browns. It was a pretty easy-going contest, but a key injury could affect Mike Tomlin's team for the rest of the year. Miles Killebrew went down with a serious knee injury, and the franchise was lucky that kicker Chris Boswell did not tweak anything on a field goal attempt when he visibly slipped. A lot of talk has ensued about the state of Acrisure Stadium's playing surface and while the organization doesn't own the facility, Team President Art Rooney II should be the biggest advocate for player safety.
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Steelers President Art Rooney II roams the sidelines as the team warms up prior to a 2022 preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
The current playing surface at Acrisure Stadium is being re-sodded with the Steelers not set to play on it until a Week 8 Sunday Night Football contest, but that doesn't change the fact that is should never get to the point when multiple players are complaining about the situation. Some individuals, such as Cameron Heyward and Aaron Rodgers, already expressed displeasure publicly.
Mike Florio, a long-time NFL insider, reported on Wednesday that it has gone a step further when it comes to Sunday's field conditions. Players from both teams have notified the NFL Player's Association (NFLPA) that it was far from an acceptable atmosphere.
"Per NFL Players Association sources, players from both teams almost immediately contacted the union to express “outrage” about the “embarrassing” condition of the grass," Florio wrote. "The NFLPA has conveyed its concern to the NFL."
While Rooney and the Steelers don't own Acrisure Stadium, its main purpose is to house professional (and collegiate) football games. It wouldn't be there without those two entities. Florio believes that the NFLPA will be bugging the league office to get Pittsburgh's home stadium corrected, with negative long-term implications including injuries and poor footing for players.
"At a time when the grass vs. turf debate has been renewed, players prefer grass. But it must be high-quality grass. The NFLPA continues to press the NFL to improve and to coordinate the grass maintenance practices across the entire league."
There is no reason why the league shouldn't take a deeper dive into these complaints from players. It's inexcusable to have professional athletes worried about their bodies' safety when playing at the highest level. An investigation into how and why the Steelers don't focus more on the natural grass in Pittsburgh could be occurring sooner rather than later.
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Steelers captain and special teams ace Miles Killebrew (28) standing on the field as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Florio also noted that the workforce across the entire United States is entitled to operate in a safe environment that won't risk their ability to make money moving forward. There isn't much of a difference when thinking about NFL players running full speed on a dangerous playing surface.
"Workplace safety is a given throughout America. The field is the workplace for football players. The NFL and its team owners should spare no expense to give players the best possible workplaces."
A lot of the attention in recent years has been on turf fields, but grass surfaces could be even more treacherous if not taken care of properly. It seems as if the Steelers are currently in that predicament, especially with the University of Pittsburgh playing there several times a year. The NFL may have to force Rooney's hand, and make him get more involved financially to ensure the safety of all athletes competing on the grounds.
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Steelers Team President and Owner Art Rooney II stands on the field as Pittsburgh gets set to play a professional football game on the road.
Steelers Can't Afford Ugly Field Conditions Moving Forward
Whether the rough shape of the playing surface caused Killebrew's injury or not, it was also evident that there was an issue when Boswell slipped and fell while going through his field goal attempt. The kicker was seen prior to the kick trying his best to repair the area where he would plant, but it didn't work. Injuries care the worst case scenario, but missed kicks and players slipping in key moments is not something that the Steelers ever need.
Do you think the NFL will look deeper into why the Steelers aren't monitoring the field at Acrisure Stadium more often? Let us know in the comments below!
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