There is a slipping problem at the NFL combine — here’s what’s behind it

There is a slipping problem at the NFL combine — here’s what’s behind it

There’s a monster at the NFL Scouting Combine — a turf monster.

In the early goings of the 2025 combine, where prospects are run through a series of drills testing their athletic prowess, prospective NFL players are slipping left and right on the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

There have been notable issues during the “Wave Drill,” where players are expected to shuffle left and right and sprint in short distances, with several players losing balance.

Oklahoma defensive lineman Ethan Downs does drills at the NFL scouting combine. AP

Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman and Ole Miss edge rusher Jared Ivey were among the players who fell during the drill, but there were likely many more as spectators noticed the trend.

Jared Ivey was one person who slipped at the NFL Combine. AP
Danny Stutsman fell during the Wave Drill. X, @jeremiepoplin

The reason for the slipping and sliding stems from the new turf at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Matrix Turf, the company responsible for the Lucas Oil Stadium turf, told Football Bettors they replaced the normal rubber infill with coconut husk and cork organic material, which requires periodic watering to maintain its normal properties.

One fan showed off the new turf pellets at the NFL Combine. X, @FootballEJ

Bears podcast host EJ Snyder posted a pH๏τo of the newer, brown-colored pellets aimed at mimicking real grᴀss that replaced the previous rubber pellets.

The rubber is a bit firmer and better for athletes to run, change direction or put pressure on the ground with.

The Colts, who play at Lucas Oil Stadium turf for their home games, also had issues with slipping during the regular season.

This new turf could affect 40-yard dash times for the receivers and runnings backs come Saturday, when this year’s class will try to break Xavier Worthy’s record time set last year.

Worthy posted a time of 4.21 seconds and landed with the then-back-to-back champion Chiefs with the 28th pick in the first round.

Related Posts

Kansas City Chiefs plan bombshell first round trade move before the NFL Draft next week

Kansas City Chiefs plan bombshell first round trade move before the NFL Draft next week

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly hoping to trade up ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft next week after their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles….

Philadelphia Eagles’ mistake when drafting Jason Kelce in 2011 resurfaces ahead of next week’s big event

Philadelphia Eagles’ mistake when drafting Jason Kelce in 2011 resurfaces ahead of next week’s big event

A typo on Jason Kelce’s name from 2011 has returned to haunt the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. In the latest episode of the…

Kyren Lacy’s agent blasts NFL in astonishing statement days after draft prospect’s apparent suicide 

Kyren Lacy’s agent blasts NFL in astonishing statement days after draft prospect’s apparent suicide 

A representative of the late Kyren Lacy dropped a bombshell statement Friday that took aim at the league over the NFL prospect’s death.  Lacy died Saturday in…

Kansas City mayor deletes tweet about suspected MS-13 gangster in El Salvador wearing a Chiefs cap

Kansas City mayor deletes tweet about suspected MS-13 gangster in El Salvador wearing a Chiefs cap

Kansas City’s democratic mayor has deleted a controversial post about a deported illegal migrant and alleged MS-13 member.  Chris Van Hollen, the junior democratic senator from Maryland,…

NFL quarterback Chase Daniel slams ‘pop icon celebrity’ Aaron Rodgers over Pat McAfee interview

NFL quarterback Chase Daniel slams ‘pop icon celebrity’ Aaron Rodgers over Pat McAfee interview

Aaron Rodgers has become more of a ‘pop icon celebrity’ than a football player after ‘not saying anything’ about his NFL future on the Pat McAfee Show….

Shock twist after ex-Chiefs star accused of animal cruelty was sentenced to hard labor in Alabama

Shock twist after ex-Chiefs star accused of animal cruelty was sentenced to hard labor in Alabama

Animal cruelty charges against free-agent defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs were dismissed by the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday. In July 2024, the former Kansas City…