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

Cincinnati Bengals sign ex-Falcons and Raiders QB to compete with Joe Burrow in 2025 season

Cincinnati Bengals sign ex-Falcons and Raiders QB to compete with Joe Burrow in 2025 season

The Bengals have signed quarterback Desmond Ridder, according to a report. Ridder, 25, was a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and has played for the…

Brother of late NFL star and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman arrested in California for ‘driving into post office’

Brother of late NFL star and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman arrested in California for ‘driving into post office’

Police in San Jose, California have arrested the brother of late NFL star and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman after a vehicle crashed into a local post…

BREAKING NEWSNFL first-round draft pick Noah Fant cut by his team three days before camp

BREAKING NEWSNFL first-round draft pick Noah Fant cut by his team three days before camp

Seattle Seahawks’ offseason of upheaval took another twist on Sunday with тιԍнт end Noah Fant released by the team. Fant, a 2019 first round draft pick for…

BREAKING NEWSChiefs lock down George Karlaftis with  million contract extension as Kansas City eyes Super Bowl revenge

BREAKING NEWSChiefs lock down George Karlaftis with $93 million contract extension as Kansas City eyes Super Bowl revenge

The Kansas City Chiefs front office has once again found a way to sign a key starter to a lucrative contract extension despite mᴀssive existing deals with…

Donald Trump demands NFL’s Washington Commanders change name back to Redskins ‘immediately’

Donald Trump demands NFL’s Washington Commanders change name back to Redskins ‘immediately’

Donald Trump is tackling the biggest issue in Washington: The local NFL team’s 2020 decision to drop ‘Redskins’ in favor of a more politically correct nickname. Known…

Matthew Stafford’s wife Kelly talks podcast co-host’s absence after male mᴀsseuse’s Sєxual misconduct claims

Matthew Stafford’s wife Kelly talks podcast co-host’s absence after male mᴀsseuse’s Sєxual misconduct claims

Kelly Stafford has finally addressed the noticeable absence of her podcast co-host and ‘bestie’ Hank Winchester, a Detroit TV reporter accused of making ‘unwanted Sєxual advances’ towards…