Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen weighs in on league’s two biggest controversies heading into 2026

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TheNFLis facing two major issues as the 2026 season approaches — how fans are watching the games and the ongoing discussion of playing surfaces.

The former has been the subject of controversy, so much so that there was a hearing earlier this month regarding theSports Broadcasting Actof 1961, as fans are paying a premium to watch games exclusively on streaming sites.

Greg Olsen and Josh Helmrich discussing NFL data technology in New Orleans Louisiana.

Greg Olsen, NFL analyst and former player, discusses how Zebra data helps teams analyze and improve player performance and how RFID technology enhances fan experience in New Orleans Feb.5, 2025.(Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

“I get it.From a high-level, nonbiased perspective, I understand it.I understand the frustrations and why this conversation is out there.The amount ofdifferent streamers and subscriptions, and I need to have cable to go along with my cable.I get all of that.I’m also a realist,�

“While I may not have designed it this way and may not always agree with it, I do believe that we just have to operate within the rules in which we’re all living.This is the modern era, and I think people are going to adjust.I think networks are going to pivot and adjust.I think cable channels are going to pivot and adjust.No different than how these streamers will continue to evolve.At some point, it’ll all settle itself out.”

Netflix and NFL signage advertises the NFL’s two Christmas Day games streaming live on Netflix in New Orleans Dec.1, 2024.(Aaron M.Sprecher/Getty Images)

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The playing surface conversation is being heightened this summer since 11 NFL stadiums arehosting FIFA World Cup games, which must take place on grass.Out of those 11 venues, six use turf but were forced to make the switch to accommodate FIFA’s regulations.

Half the league’s stadiums use turf despite NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell saying that 92% of the league’s players prefer grass.Despite NFL players begging for grass and being told no, the stadiums had no choice but to, as NFLPA head J.C.Tretter once said, “roll out the green carpet of grass.”

However, Olsen pushed back a bit on the “interesting” conversation.

“When they get injured, they don’t like playing on turf.And when they play on bad grass in the rain, and they play on bad grass up in the Northeast and Midwest in the winter late in the season, footing’s bad, it’s sloppy and nobody can run, the skill guys don’t feel fast, they can’t figure out their shoes, they also complain about that.So, I do think there’s an element where you’re never going to make everyone happy,” Olsen said.

The NFL logo is displayed on the field after a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Dec.28, 2025.(Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

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“If they made a rule thateverybody was turf, people would be in outrage.If every field had to be traditional, natural grass, I think everybody south of the Mason-Dixon would be fine.I think late in the season, northeast games would be very difficult, … Just mother nature.It is what it is.”

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