The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) released its third annual Team Report Cards on February 26, 2025, offering a player-driven evaluation of workplace conditions across all 32 NFL teams. Overall, the NFLPA uses the report cards to identify areas for improvement and to highlight best practices. Continue reading to find out which teams were rated the highest and lowest in the NFLPA team report cards for 2024.
NFLPA Team Report Cards 2025: Dolphins Lead, Cardinals Lag in Player Workplace Rankings
With free agency looming and the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, this report—based on feedback from 1,695 players (77% of the union’s membership)—serves as a critical tool for athletes navigating career decisions. Surveyed from August 26 to November 20, 2024, players graded their teams across 11 categories, including treatment of families, locker room facilities, head coach performance, and ownership investment. Here’s a deep dive into the 2025 findings, standout teams, and key trends shaping the NFL’s workplace landscape.
Top Performers: Dolphins and Vikings Set the Standard
For the second consecutive year, the Miami Dolphins claimed the top spot, earning the highest overall grade. Players praised owner Stephen Ross—rated the league’s best for the second straight year—and highlighted exceptional facilities and support staff. The Dolphins topped seven of the 11 categories, reinforcing their reputation as the gold standard for player experience. “The quality of the facilities is matched by the quality of the people,” the NFLPA noted, emphasizing Miami’s holistic approach.
The Minnesota Vikings secured second place for the second year running. Notably, with no grade below a B. Players lauded head coach Kevin O’Connell, the Wilf family ownership, and top-tier amenities, particularly family treatment, where Minnesota earned a rare A-plus. Improvements in training staff (jumping from a B to an A) underscore the Vikings’ responsiveness to past feedback—a theme echoed league-wide.
Rounding out the top five were the Atlanta Falcons (3rd), the Las Vegas Raiders (4th), and the Los Angeles Chargers (5th). Impressively, the Falcons leapt from 25th in 2024 to 3rd, thanks to major facility upgrades—revamped locker rooms, weight rooms, and dining areas. Additionally, a culture shift under new head coach Raheem Morris. Meanwhile, the Chargers, buoyed by their new practice facility, soared from 30th to 5th. Finally, the Raiders’ climb reflects steady improvements in player support.
Bottom Dwellers: Cardinals, Patriots Struggle
At the opposite end, the Arizona Cardinals finished dead last (32nd), dropping from 27th in 2024. Players issued scathing grades, including an F-minus for the locker room and D-minus marks for food and training facilities. Owner Michael Bidwill ranked among the league’s worst for investment and culture, with players citing inadequate food options and poor family accommodations. Despite some progress—like ending the practice of charging for meals—the Cardinals remain a cautionary tale.
The New England Patriots (31st) also faltered, hampered by outdated facilities. Though owner Robert Kraft announced a $50 million investment in a new facility (set to open in 2026), players gave the current weight room an F (32nd) and criticized cramped locker rooms and a subpar team plane. A bright spot? Family treatment jumped from an F-minus to a strength after new services were added.
The Cleveland Browns (30th), New York Jets (29th), and Pittsburgh Steelers (28th) rounded out the bottom five. All with recurring complaints about travel, training staff, and ownership commitment dragging their scores down.
Notable Movers: Commanders, Falcons Surge
The Washington Commanders made the biggest leap, rocketing from 32nd to 11th under new owner Josh Harris and head coach Dan Quinn. Players credited a cultural overhaul and facility upgrades, though some issues—like sewage leaks noted in prior years—linger in memory. Meanwhile, the Falcons’ 22-spot jump reflects tangible investments and Morris’ A-plus leadership, tying him with Quinn for the top head coach grade.
Conversely, teams like the Dallas Cowboys (fell from 5th to 12th) and Cincinnati Bengals (24th) saw declines. The Bengals’ persistent F grades in family treatment and dining—coupled with reports of broken showers and limited toilets—highlight owner Mike Brown’s low marks for investment.
Key Trends and Insights
Overall Improvement: NFLPA Chief Strategy Officer JC Tretter reported a league-wide grade increase of 3.5 points. A grades rose 41% (from 81 to 114 categories), while D-plus or worse grades dropped 51% (from 65 to 32). “The floor is rising,” Tretter said, crediting the owners’ responsiveness to player feedback.
Facility Focus: Teams investing in locker rooms, weight rooms, and dining—like the Falcons and Chargers—saw the biggest gains. Conversely, neglect in these areas tanked rankings for the Cardinals and Patriots.
Ownership Matters: Top owners (Ross, Wilfs, Arthur Blank) earned A-pluses for facility investment and culture, while bottom dwellers (Bidwill, Kraft, Jimmy Haslam) scored Fs for perceived stinginess.
Head Coach Impact: Quinn, Morris, O’Connell, Andy Reid, and Mike McDaniel topped coaching grades, while Chicago’s staff (under ex-coach Matt Eberflus) earned a league-low C.
Why It Matters
The NFLPA Team Report Cards, now in their third year, have evolved from a “Free Agency Guide” concept into a powerful accountability tool. With a 77% response rate—up from 60% in 2023—the survey’s influence is clear. Teams are acting on feedback, from daycare additions to facility overhauls. For players, it’s a window into workplace realities beyond the field; for fans, it’s a peek behind the curtain of their favorite franchises.
In the past, we’ve heard stories about how the Jacksonville Jaguars have a rat problem in their facilities. A lot of times, these stories seem to just start drama or stir up clicks. However, these are real issues that you wouldn’t expect professional athletes to have to deal with. Subjects that were covered included team weight rooms, training staff, nutrition, locker room conditions, and more. Check out how the 2025 grades compare to the NFLPA Team Report Cards (2024) or the 2023 Team Report Cards.
What is the NFLPA?
- “The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the National Football League.”
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