NFLPA President Jalen Reeves-Maybin said that it is “‘definitely a realistic thing’ to expect all NFL games to be played on grass” Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK
Lions LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin last week was elected to a two-year term as NFLPA President, and he said his goal is to “make sure the players stay engaged” and to “be kind of just an amplifier for player voices,” according to Dave Birkett of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Reeves-Maybin added, “I always try to reiterate to the guys that we are the union. We have staff members, we have an executive director, but the players are the union so that’s kind of what I’ve always pushed the guys to take ownership of.” When asked what the biggest issues facing the NFLPA are currently, Reeves-Maybin “did not name one but spoke on several topics important to players.” Reeves-Maybin said that it is “‘definitely a realistic thing’ to expect all NFL games to be played on grass.” Reeves-Maybin: “We see right now they’re changing all the fields for soccer to come over (for the World Cup) and soccer players don’t play on turf. I think it’s definitely a thing that can happen, and it’s proven to be a safer and healthier option.” Birkett noted Reeves-Maybin “downplayed the immediacy” of expanding the regular season schedule to 18 games. However, he “championed” the results of the NFLPA's player survey as a “way to hold teams accountable for workplace conditions.” He said, “I think it’s been great. I think it’s one of the times you actually get honest answers from the players.” Overall, Reeves-Maybin said he “wouldn’t say I have a real plan” and he is “just going with the flow right now” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/16).
