The Dallas Cowboys already have their eyes set on the 2026 NFL season after back-to-back years without a playoff appearance. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has spent the offseason improving the roster, looking to return Dallas to NFC contention after another disappointing campaign. With training camp around the corner, expectations remain as high as ever for a franchise that has not reached the NFC Championship Game since the 1995 season.
While Cowboys fans are counting down to kickoff, soccer has dominated the spotlight in Arlington over the past month. AT&T Stadium, temporarily renamed Dallas Stadium for FIFA’s commercial regulations, hosted a tournament-high nine matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The venue’s final match came on Tuesday, when Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinal to book its place in the World Cup final.
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Just days after the final whistle, however, the stadium was already undergoing transformation. On Thursday, Front Office Sports shared a clip showing crews removing the natural grass pitch that had been specially installed for the World Cup as AT&T Stadium transitions back to its permanent artificial turf ahead of the Cowboys’ season.
The move immediately reignited criticism of Jones and the Cowboys organization, who have long resisted calls to install natural grass permanently despite concerns from players about the safety of artificial surfaces.
“Jerry boy has enough to pay for grass,” one fan said.
“The most valuable sports team in the world,” another fan wrote.
“Dumb decision keep grass fields for NFL season,” added one.
“Just remember, owners can afford real grass; they just don't give a [expletive] about player safety,” posted another.
“And now AT&T will go back to looking to like corporate soulless bowl with turf and and field suites, sad,” one user commented.
“So instead of just keeping the grass which was much better they’re going back to turf?” another fan questioned.
AT&T Stadium has featured artificial turf since opening in 2009, and Jones has consistently defended the surface by citing its practicality for a multi-use venue. However, the debate has intensified in recent years. The NFL Players Association has repeatedly reported that 92% of NFL players prefer natural grass, believing it lowers the risk of lower-body injuries.
The successful installation of a FIFA-standard grass pitch throughout nine World Cup matches has only strengthened calls for Jones to reconsider keeping grass in place permanently.
The Cowboys will open the 2026 regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13, when they travel to face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Dallas will then return home for its opener against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 20.
