The NFLPA’s Team Report Cards: A Growing Tradition
For the third consecutive year, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has released team report cards for all 32 NFL franchises, providing an in-depth look at the working conditions and overall player satisfaction across the league. This year, the Miami Dolphins maintained their top spot, followed by the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers. The survey, which gathered input from a record 1,695 players—approximately 77% of the league—was conducted from August 26 to November 20 of the previous season. Each team’s grade is based on the responses of an average of 52 players, with the New York Giants boasting the highest participation at 68 players, while the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints had the lowest at 35 players each.
Evaluating the Key Categories
The report cards evaluate 11 different categories, including treatment of families, food/dining area, nutritionist/dietician, locker room, training room, training staff, weight room, strength coaches, team travel, head coach, and owner. These categories encompass both the physical and emotional well-being of players, ensuring that the league’s focus remains on creating a holistic and supportive environment. The Dolphins, Vikings, and Falcons received high marks, particularly in ownership, where they were all graded with an A+. Conversely, the New York Jets received an F for ownership, indicating significant areas for improvement. In the head coaching category, the Dolphins, Chiefs, Commanders, Falcons, Lions, and Vikings all earned A+ grades, reflecting the players’ confidence in their leadership and management.
The Impact of Player Feedback
According to NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell, the annual survey serves a crucial role in driving improvements in working conditions for players. During his first year overseeing the survey, Howell noted that teams at the bottom of the list often had an emotional reaction to their poor grades. However, over time, these initial defensive responses have evolved into constructive discussions focused on specific areas of improvement. "The second year of the survey, my first year, it was probably a more emotional reaction for those teams at the bottom of the list," Howell said. "But over time, those conversations turned to, ‘All right, what can I do to improve my grade? Do I have to build a new facility, or is it more soft, people-related things that I have to do?’" This shift in mindset underscores the survey’s effectiveness in fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the NFL.
Rising Standards Across the League
The overall average grade for this year’s survey was a B, a significant improvement from last year’s B-minus. This upward trend is particularly notable among the bottom five teams, which include the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals. These teams saw their average grade rise from a D+ to a C, demonstrating that the player survey has been instrumental in raising workplace standards around the league. JC Tretter, the NFLPA chief strategy officer, highlighted the importance of this progress, stating, "That shows that the player survey has helped to raise the workplace standards around the league." The Cardinals, who finished at the bottom of the list, received an F for their weight room and an F- for their locker room, areas that are critical for player performance and well-being.
The Union’s Commitment to Player Well-Being
The NFLPA’s commitment to improving player conditions is evident in their plans to continue the annual player survey indefinitely. Tretter emphasized, "It will continue because we’re seeing the lives of our players improve. And that’s one of the jobs of the union, to improve the everyday lives of our members." The survey serves as a powerful tool for the NFLPA to advocate for better facilities, more supportive coaching staff, and a more inclusive and respectful environment for players and their families. By holding teams accountable and providing clear feedback, the union is ensuring that the league remains player-centric and responsive to their needs.
Looking Forward: A Path to Continuous Improvement
The release of the team report cards not only highlights the current state of player satisfaction but also sets a clear path for continuous improvement. The NFLPA’s efforts to gather and share this data have already shown positive results, with the league’s overall working conditions on the rise. As teams continue to address the specific areas identified by players, the hope is that the gap between the top and bottom teams will narrow, creating a more equitable and supportive environment for all players. The full results of the 2025 survey can be found on the NFLPA’s website, providing fans and stakeholders with a transparent and comprehensive look at the league’s progress. Eric D. Williams, a veteran NFL reporter with over a decade of experience covering various teams, underscores the importance of this initiative in enhancing the player experience and the overall health of the NFL.
