January 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of Levi's Stadium during a field preparation press conference prior to Super Bowl 50. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward could be seen struggling to find his footing after intercepting a pass from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the second half of Super Bowl 50. After the game, he and Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib both criticized the playing surface at San Francisco's Levi's Stadium.
George Toma has heard the criticism, but the NFL's leading expert on playing surfaces isn't blaming the condition of the field. Instead, he's blaming "hard-headed" players who refused to change their cleats.
Via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com:
Toma is 87 years old and has examined fields at all 50 Super Bowls. He said the playing surface last Sunday was the second best he has ever seen, according to CSNBayArea.com. The Super Bowl XLI (Colts-Bears) surface at Miami's Sun Life Stadium -- which held up through a rain storm -- topped his all-time list.
Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller is one player who changed his cleats at Super Bowl 50, and he ended up winning the game's MVP award with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
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