Atlanta Falcons superstar running back Bijan Robinson knows how much of a blessing it is to play in the NFL.
He also understands the blessing of playing home games inside a domed stadium each season.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Falcons, doesnt have to worry about the elements outside when its time for kickoff. It is one of 10 NFL stadiums with domes or fixed/retractable roofs, as it fits into the latter category. The Falcons are one of 11 teams lucky enough to not have to brave any elements when they see a home game on the schedule, but Robinson believes the entire league should experience that someday.
Robinson had quite the suggestion for the NFL during a recent interview with OutKick.
“I wish one day the NFL can make every team indoors. I think that would be sick,” he said, while also discussing his partnership with Sonic.
In theory, it would be sick. No matter what the outside weather says, whether its heavy rains or snows, strong wind gusts, or freezing cold temperatures, the climate and conditions will always be the same inside a domed field. Every team gets the same conditions to work with and no excuses in terms of elements can be used to blame a poor performance.
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However, Robinsons dream of playing a 17-game-plus schedule in all domes isnt very likely to come to fruition.
In every sport, there are purists, and football fans are very much at the top of the list. Seeing the winds in Cleveland coming off the lake, or braving the snow in Buffalo in the winter is what traditional football fans look forward to. Its football â no element other than thunder and lightning will stop what goes on.
“I cant speak for people in Buffalo,” Robinson said. “I know they love the snow, they love to be in it. But I feel like there would be a lot of people, too, that might enjoy not having to shovel it out. I know thats a part of the culture, but if you could just go inside, go there and enjoy the game. Hopefully, well see. Maybe in 10 years we could make that happen.”
While its highly unlikely every team will play in a domed stadium, those building new homes already have it in mind.
Almost all seven of the new NFL stadiums currently under construction or planned feature a dome, retractable roof, or a skylight structure. The exception was actually in Buffalo, as the new Highmark Stadium, which gets its debut on Thursday night between the Bills and Detroit Lions, has an open-air roof.
But teams like the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns are building enclosed venues. Also, the projects involving the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs all feature plans to enclose the field in some capacity.
It would be about one-third of the stadium where domes come into play, and sure, players may feel just like Robinson after not having to power through the elements if they dont have to.
For now, though, its a privilege Robinson is well aware of.
“Its definitely awesome to get to play inside. Thats a huge advantage because you dont have to worry about the elements,” he explained. “The sun, like, dragging down your energy, or the cold. ⦠For us, we just embrace it. We still practice outside in that heat, and I think it really helps us a lot practicing outdoors. Its one of those things where its not cold here, so the weather changes in Atlanta a
