Ah yes, the ultra-popular and certainly ultra-interesting NFLPA “Players Poll” has once again been released.
The NFLPA’s report, compiled after surveying 1,706 players – a significant increase from last year’s sample size, representing nearly 76% of all players – aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of each team’s performance and player satisfaction.
The NFLPA enlisted the services of Artemis as a third-party entity to administer the assessment.
Interestingly, the Miami Dolphins checked out as the highest-graded franchise after finishing second last year.
The Player Team Report Cards are back. Last year, the report cards led to players feeling more informed about their workplace & this year several new categories were added including Head Coach, Owner + Dietician/Nutritionist.
Take a look here: https://t.co/RV0ZNDNb2h. pic.twitter.com/vfEv6A7d2s— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 28, 2024
Unsurprisingly, the Washington Commanders once again finished last for the second year in a row. Clearly, they still have a whole lot of work to do despite their change in ownership.
NFL owner grades, via NFLPA survey:
A: #Eagles, #Broncos, #Jaguars, #Ravens & #Packers
B+: #Texans, #Giants, #Titans, #Bears, #Saints & #Raiders.
B: #Cowboys, #Browns & #Commanders
C+: #Bengals,… https://t.co/zqmGjCKKdY pic.twitter.com/0V4wjk7a9G
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 28, 2024
Among the standout shifts highlighted in the report was the remarkable improvement of the Jacksonville Jaguars, catapulting from their previous rank of 28th to an impressive fifth place this year.
The Jaguars transformation was underscored by a notable player concern addressed at the team’s facility.
“When asked what the #1 thing they want changed at their facility, the answer was unanimous – get rid of the rats!” the 2023 NFLPA report card stated.
“Players reported that for 3-4 weeks this season, there was a rat infestation in the locker room and laundry hampers.”
Responding to the concerns raised by players, the Jaguars initiated significant upgrades, unveiling new facilities at the onset of training camp.
Meanwhile, “America’s Team” themselves – the Dallas Cowboys – saw a significant drop, falling from fifth to 12th overall.
The main complaint surrounding the Boys was that their training staff wasn’t up to par and the department was looked upon as “understaffed.”
#Cowboys NFLPA Report Card 2023 to 2024 comparison. The #’s to the right of grade is where it ranks out of all 32 teams:
• Seems like Team Travel continues to be an emphasis for players.
• Owner Jerry Jones receiving a “B” is unexpected imo.
• Top tier treatment for families… pic.twitter.com/qOuIEy4VPP— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) February 28, 2024
Most surprising was the very low grade for the back-to-back Super Bowl champs … Believe it or not, the Kansas City Chiefs finished 31st overall in the survey.
While Andy Reid was graded an “A+” as head coach, some harsh criticism was aimed at owner Clark Hunt for allegedly being reluctant to invent in the team and their facilities.
While the #Chiefs top brass plead for new Arrowhead Stadium renovations, the team ranks 31st out of 32 teams in the NFLPA report card..
Ownership is the lowest rated with the team being told that the locker room would be renovated when it hasn’t … pic.twitter.com/1NKz4SEQSI
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) February 28, 2024
I’m done celebrating winning back to back Super Bowls because I’m so disgusted my team failed an NFLPA report card. I’m done with this team, too. Fed up.
— ChiefsJayhawksRoyals (@CJR16255) February 28, 2024
Key takeaways from the report shed light on various team practices and player experiences.
Notably, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers charge players close to $1,750 to opt out of having roommates on road trips.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals only provide their players three meals a day once a week – on Wednesdays.
Up in New England, the team’s weight room graded poorly and is looked upon as inadequate compared to the rest of the league.
Unsurprisingly, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels was graded as the worst coach in the league. (Although Brandon Staley could have an argument.)
In meetings when they hand out voting sheets for Pro Bowl, Top 100, etc. We’ve seen many toss it in the trash, put down only friends names, make a rookie fill it out, etc.
The two I’ve seen taken most seriously:
– Team Captains (obviously)
– NFLPA Ownership/Facility Report Card— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 28, 2024
Overall, the Dolphins and Vikings were regarded as being in “a class of their own,” and well ahead of the pack.
NFLPA report card for Miami Dolphins is incredible pic.twitter.com/fZ1hb5x5DP
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) February 28, 2024
Rounding out the top five were the third-place Green Bay Packers followed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars.
New England Patriots NFLPA report card.
Treatment of families – F-
Weight room – F
Ownership – D+This is eye opening.
Time to get your shit together Mr Kraft!! pic.twitter.com/1ks8xfvMgo
— Savage (@SavageSports_) February 28, 2024
Impressively, the Dolphins finished in the top three in 10 of the 11 categories, while ranking first in food/cafeteria, weight room, training room, training staff, team travel and owner.
Meanwhile, the Vikings ranked top two in in eight of the 11 categories and no worse than ninth in any. Notably, Minnesota finished first in treatment of families, nutritionist/dietician, locker room and strength coaches.
A look at the Steelers’ NFLPA team report card, per @AlbertBreer
“There is little confidence among respondents in the willingness of club owner Art Rooney ll to invest in a better workplace.”
Yikes. 😬 pic.twitter.com/PY1yNIqVjN
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) February 28, 2024
What are your thoughts on the rankings?
The good thing for the players is that most of their complaints from last year’s poll were addressed immediately by their teams.
After all, no organization wants to scare off potential free agents. So, there has been plenty of good that has come from the poll.
What are your thoughts on where your team ranked???