Aaron Rodgers Blasts Acrisure Stadium Turf as ‘Borderline Unplayable’ After Steelers Kicker Chris Boswell’s Terrifying Slip

Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t hold back in his postgame critique of Acrisure Stadium’s playing surface following a 23-9 victory over the Cleveland Browns on October 12, 2025. The veteran signal-caller called the field “borderline unplayable” by the third quarter, spotlighting dangerous conditions that led to kicker Chris Boswell slipping during a crucial field goal attempt – a moment captured on video that has sparked widespread concern over player safety and stadium maintenance.

The incident has reignited debates about artificial turf versus natural grass in the NFL, especially at venues like Acrisure Stadium, which shares its field with the Pittsburgh Panthers college team. With the Steelers’ grounds crew already planning to replace the sod postgame, Rodgers’ pointed remarks underscore the urgency for upgrades to prevent potential career-threatening injuries.

The Hair-Raising Moment: Boswell’s Slip on Shoddy Turf

During the second half of the Steelers-Browns clash, Boswell lined up for a 54-yard field goal that could have extended Pittsburgh’s lead. Instead, his plant leg caught a divot in the torn-up turf, causing him to slip and fall while sending the kick well short of the uprights – though it was accurate in direction. Miraculously, Boswell avoided serious injury, but the viral slow-motion video of the mishap has amassed millions of views on social media, highlighting the field’s deteriorated state amid dry weather conditions.

Earlier in the game, Boswell had successfully converted three field goals, including a 50-yarder, helping Pittsburgh secure a 9-3 halftime edge. Pregame warmups also saw kicking issues, but the slip became the focal point, drawing immediate scrutiny to the venue’s surface, which appeared “torn up” between the 30-yard lines. This wasn’t isolated – multiple players slipped throughout the contest, including special teamer Miles Killebrew, whom Rodgers referenced in his comments.

Rodgers’ Fiery Postgame Tirade: A Call for Better Field Maintenance

Rodgers, in his first season with the Steelers after a blockbuster trade, used his platform to advocate for improved conditions, drawing parallels to his early days with the Green Bay Packers. In a press conference, he lamented the field’s rapid deterioration: “Thankfully Bos [Chris Boswell] took care of those kicks before the field got borderline unplayable.” He added, “It got real beat up. By the time the third quarter rolled around, that thing was really beat up,” expressing sympathy for Killebrew’s slip and questioning why some players opt for molded cleats over seven-studded ones for better grip on grass.

The 41-year-old QB, known for his vocal stance on player welfare – including past criticisms of MetLife Stadium’s turf – suggested proactive measures: “It reminds me a little bit of the field in Green Bay in the early years… Then they went out and found an incredible field maintenance guy… The field in Green Bay is absolutely immaculate, but the field today got pretty torn up.” While not explicitly demanding ownership intervention, Rodgers’ words imply a need for immediate scrutiny and upgrades from Acrisure Stadium’s management and the Steelers’ front office.

Acrisure Stadium’s Turf Troubles: A Shared Field Under Scrutiny

Acrisure Stadium’s natural grass surface has faced ongoing complaints since its 2022 reopening, exacerbated by heavy usage from both the Steelers (only two home games so far this season, including one in Ireland) and the Pitt Panthers (four games hosted). Despite no adverse weather – no rain or snow – the field showed visible wear, prompting the grounds crew to schedule a full sod replacement immediately after the Browns game. This comes ahead of Pitt’s matchup with NC State and the Steelers’ next home tilt against the Green Bay Packers in two weeks.

Stadium officials and Steelers ownership, led by Art Rooney II, have yet to issue a formal response, but sources indicate internal reviews are underway. Boswell himself declined to comment on the field when pressed postgame, focusing instead on the team’s win. The NFL Players Association has long pushed for grass over turf league-wide, citing studies linking synthetic surfaces to higher injury rates – a debate Rodgers has fueled in the past.

this field is a problem pic.twitter.com/JVItIjb7Z7

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 12, 2025

Broader NFL Implications: Safety First in the Turf Wars

Rodgers’ outburst arrives amid a league-wide reckoning on field conditions, with similar issues plaguing venues like MetLife and SoFi Stadiums. The Boswell video, circulating widely on platforms like X and YouTube, has amplified calls from fans and analysts for the NFL to mandate natural grass or hybrid surfaces. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin praised the win but sidestepped turf talk: “We got the dub – that’s what matters,” though insiders whisper of potential advocacy from Rodgers to Rooney.

As Pittsburgh eyes a strong AFC North standing at 5-1, the focus shifts to ensuring home-field advantage doesn’t come at the cost of player health. With playoff aspirations on the line, Acrisure’s quick sod swap may be just the start – but Rodgers’ message is clear: fix it now, or risk the consequences.

This article was last updated on October 13, 2025. For video of Chris Boswell’s slip and ongoing Steelers field updates, check official NFL highlights and stadium announcements.