David Bakhtiari calls out NFL’s priorities after MetLife Stadium installs grass pitch for FIFA Club World Cup

Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman David Bakhtiari has called out the NFL's priorities after learning that MetLife Stadium installed a grass pitch for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The three-time Pro Bowler highlighted that NFL players did not have the luxury of playing on the grass during their games at the stadium.

“'Grass for they, but not for the.' @NFL @NFLPA," Bakhtiari tweeted on Wednesday.

David Bakhtiari

@DavidBakhtiari

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“Grass for they, but not for the.”

@NFL

@NFLPA

The MetLife Stadium is home to the New York Jets and the New York Giants. However, the NFL games at the arena have always been played on artificial turf.

There has also been a long debate between the NFL and players about the injuries caused to athletes on the artificial turf.

In September 2023, Aaron Rodgers picked up a non-contact Achilles injury in his first game for the Jets while playing at MetLife Stadium. He was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Last year, NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell said that nearly all NFL players preferred playing on grass.

“It’s really basic,” Howell said. “It’s not rocket science. Ninety-two percent of our union wants grass. That’s compelling. The bottom line is, it’s unquestionable that our union wants to have a working condition where they play on grass.”

As per FIFA's regulations, all soccer games at the World Cup must be played on grass. The MetLife Stadium is one of the venues in the U.S. that will host games at the Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.

David Bakhtiari is still a free agent ahead of 2025 season

Former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman David Bakhtiari - Source: Getty

David Bakhtiari left the Green Bay Packers last offseason after playing 11 seasons with them. However, the offensive tackle did not play in the 2024 season as he was recovering from a knee injury.

“My goal right now is just to make sure that I not only fully recover but I can withstand and play the game that I want to play but also play and be there for a team no matter what,” Bakhtiari said on "The Adam Schefter Podcast" last offseason.

“I’m not a reliever guy; I am your cornerstone guy. Someone that’s not only going to play in September but in December and into February and obviously hopefully for another couple of years.”

As things stand, Bakhtiari is still a free agent. He could likely return to the NFL next season, but might need to find a team soon, as most franchises have begun their mandatory minicamp.

During his 11 years in Green Bay, David Bakhtiari played 131 games.