Bijan Robinson prefers grass over turf

If Bijan Robinson had his choice, he would play on a grass field every week. The Atlanta Falcons running back chimed in with his opinion of the grass vs. turf debate in a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show.

Patrick asked the rookie running back whether he prefers grass or turf during a 10-minute interview. Although the Falcons play on turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Robinson says he actually prefers a grass field.

“Personally, I like grass. I think it’s just better for your knees,” Robinson said. “We play on turf with the Falcons. We practice on grass. So, I think that’s a good thing because I get two different feels. But, a lot of turf, it’s all different. Like, you go to different stadiums, it could be a different turf, it could be a different grass, so you just gotta get used to it.

“That’s why you do in pre-game, make different cuts, to see if you can make a longer cut or you gotta make it a short cut. So, I just kinda see how I feel before the game starts. I would prefer grass as a player, but if it’s turf, you just gotta adapt and go with it.”

It’s an interesting preference, considering Atlanta’s home stadium is a turf field. But Robinson’s argument makes sense. Unfortunately, he won’t get the benefit of playing a grass field for home games while he suits up for the Falcons.

Through the first six games of his NFL career, Robinson has lived up to his first-round status. The former Texas standout leads Atlanta in rushing, piling up 401 yards on 80 carries so far this year. He also accounts for 189 receiving yards and two touchdown catches on 26 receptions.

Robinson still has yet to reach the end zone on the ground, but it’s just a matter of time.

Atlanta owns a 3-3 record and sits second in the NFC South standings, just a half-game behind Tampa Bay (3-2). The Falcons will have a chance to take the division lead this coming Sunday with a showdown against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Last season, the two teams split the series. Tampa Bay won the early season showdown at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta claimed a victory in the season finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Kickoff between the division rivals is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Coverage airs on FOX.