As the NFL enters another offseason, it’s time for the annual report card for both the NFL Players Association and team owners.
This year, 1,695 players from across the league weighed in on the state of their current franchises, grading everything from working conditions to the treatment of families to everything in-between.
One of the more interesting results of the poll is always which NFL owners are considered the absolute worst in the league.
We now have our results, and here are the 5 WORST owners in all of football according to the players…
#5. Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers (Grade: D)
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II didn’t fare well in this year’s grades, earning a “D” for his leadership. Despite the Steelers’ storied success, players feel that the Rooney family has failed to invest adequately in their team’s facilities, which ranked a disappointing 30th out of 32 NFL teams.
The lack of investment in essential areas like the weight room and training facilities has caused frustration, as has the perception that Rooney does only the bare minimum to foster a winning culture. Issues with the strength and conditioning staff persist, even as players continue to praise head coach Mike Tomlin.
#4. Robert Kraft, New England Patriots (Grade: D)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft also earned a “D” for his management of the team, despite a reported $50 million investment into new facilities slated for 2026. Players have criticized the cramped weight room, outdated locker rooms, and poor travel conditions.
One particularly concerning issue is that the Patriots’ team plane is without Wi-Fi and still features ashtrays in the seats. While Kraft’s investment in the future may improve conditions down the line, the current state of affairs has earned him a failing grade in the eyes of his players.
#3. Michael Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals (Grade: D-)
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill also found himself near the bottom of the rankings, receiving a “D-” grade. Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s facilities, calling many of the spaces “too small.”
The food program is another area in desperate need of improvement, as players feel that it falls short of the standards seen across the league. While head coach Jonathan Gannon has garnered praise from the players, the overall environment under Bidwill’s ownership is less than ideal.
#2. David Tepper, Carolina Panthers (Grade: D-)
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper’s leadership also came under fire this year. Players gave Tepper’s ownership a “D-” grade, criticizing his decision to keep artificial turf at the team’s stadium rather than switching to natural grass, a change that many players have strongly advocated for.
Tepper also drew ire for downgrading the team’s travel accommodations, with players no longer flying first-class and instead being relegated to smaller, less comfortable seats. Combined with subpar facilities in Charlotte, Tepper’s management continues to rank among the worst in the NFL.
#1. Woody Johnson, New York Jets (Grade: F)
The lowest grade of all went to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, who earned a resounding “F” from the players. After receiving criticism in last year’s survey, Johnson allegedly doubled down on his approach by slashing budgets for food and dietitians.
Players have also cited “top-down problems” within the organization, with many pointing to a toxic culture that starts at Johnson’s office and permeates throughout the team.
NFLPA Chief Strategy Officer J.C. Tretter highlighted this in his statement: “They talked about the culture – it’s a problem, top down. [Players said,] ‘It’s a culture of fear here.’ And I think that stood out in [the] grades.”
As the NFL offseason continues, these report cards highlight ongoing frustrations among players regarding ownership’s role in shaping team environments.
While some owners are making efforts to improve their franchises, others remain mired in the same issues that have earned them the lowest marks in the league.
What are your thoughts on the five worst owners in the NFL???
