The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has just released its highly anticipated 2024 NFL Team Report Cards, offering a thorough evaluation of player experiences across the league. This survey is more than just a snapshot of how NFL players feel about their team’s performance—it’s a tool for improving conditions at all 32 NFL clubs. Conducted from August 26 to November 16, 2023, the survey gathered input from 1,706 players, giving us a unique and detailed view into the inner workings of the NFL, from the treatment of players off the field to the facilities they work in every day.

Purpose of the Report Cards

The NFLPA’s primary goal with the Team Report Cards is to highlight the best and worst practices in team environments, fostering improvement across the league. By collecting anonymous feedback directly from players, the NFLPA aims to shed light on how different teams support their players’ physical and mental well-being. This initiative is designed to raise the standards across all NFL teams, ensuring that players are provided with the best possible resources for success.
These ratings are not just a reflection of team performance—they directly impact the players’ careers. Players often face crucial decisions about their future based on the environment they are walking into, so the more transparency there is, the better equipped they are to make informed choices.

Categories Assessed in the Report

The survey evaluates teams across 11 essential categories, each of which directly impacts a player’s experience:

1. Head Coach – How do players feel about the leadership and guidance from their head coach?
2. Position Coaches – How effective and supportive are the coaches at each player’s specific position?
3. Strength Coaches – How well are players supported in their physical conditioning programs?
4. Training Room – How are the team’s medical facilities and the treatment of injuries?
5. Weight Room – How well-equipped are the training facilities for strength and conditioning?
6. Locker Room – Is the team’s locker room well-maintained and conducive to player comfort?
7. Food Services – How is the quality and availability of food for players?
8. Travel – How comfortable and efficient is the team’s travel experience for road games?
9. Treatment of Families – How well does the team treat and support players’ families?
10. Ownership – How involved and supportive are team owners in creating a positive team culture?
11. Dietician/Nutritionist – How well does the team support players' nutrition needs?

Key Findings from the 2024 NFL Report Cards

Top Performers

Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings once again set the benchmark for player experience, receiving high grades across multiple categories. Their locker room, training facilities, and team travel arrangements earned top marks, showing a commitment to providing players with a high-quality work environment. Ownership and coaching were also rated highly, reinforcing the organization’s reputation as one of the most player-friendly teams in the league.
Miami Dolphins – Another standout organization, the Dolphins earned praise for their well-maintained training facilities, quality nutrition programs, ownership, and excellent treatment of families. Their investment in player wellness has made them a model for other franchises to follow.
Las Vegas Raiders – The Raiders continue to prioritize player satisfaction, with strong grades in locker room conditions, weight room facilities, and overall team operations. Their state-of-the-art headquarters in Henderson, Nevada, has been a game-changer, providing players with some of the best resources in the NFL.
Green Bay Packers – The Packers continue to impress with their strength and training staff, earning high marks for player treatment. While Green Bay is a smaller market team, their investment in player well-being has kept them competitive in providing a positive work environment.

Lowest-Ranked Teams

Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals ranked among the lowest due to major concerns over player treatment and facility quality. Players gave poor grades for the weight room, team travel, and treatment of families. Additionally, Arizona’s nutrition and food services received low marks, signaling a need for serious investment in improving day-to-day conditions for athletes.
Washington Commanders – The Commanders continue to struggle with player satisfaction, receiving below-average scores in nearly every category. Players have cited outdated facilities, subpar training conditions, and weak team travel accommodations as areas needing immediate improvement. While recent ownership changes may offer hope for a better future, these low rankings highlight the work still to be done.
Cincinnati Bengals – Despite on-field success, the Bengals scored low in multiple off-field areas, particularly in treatment of families and food. While players praised the team’s strength staff, the overall infrastructure received poor feedback, indicating that improvements are needed to support their athletes properly.
New England Patriots – The Patriots, despite their strong legacy, received poor ratings in treatment of families, ownership, and training facilities. Players noted outdated resources and a lack of investment in modernizing their off-field operations.
Los Angeles Chargers – The Chargers struggle with locker room conditions and training resources, earning below-average grades in multiple areas. Many players have called for improvements to enhance their overall experience.

Notable Trends Across the League

Locker Room & Facility Disparities: The gap between the best and worst locker rooms remains wide. Some teams, like the Vikings, Dolphins, and Raiders, boast top-tier facilities, while others received failing grades.
Strength & Training Staff: While a few teams excel in this area, others continue to fall behind, with outdated weight rooms and inadequate recovery resources.
Team Travel: Players continue to highlight significant differences in how teams handle travel accommodations. Some organizations offer private charters, while others still require players to share hotel rooms or fly on outdated planes.
Ownership & Coaching: Teams with stable and engaged ownership tend to score higher, while those with leadership struggles often rank at the bottom.
 
The Impact of Player Feedback

The NFLPA’s Team Report Cards serve as a crucial tool for improvement across the league. The detailed feedback from players helps NFL teams identify where they are excelling and where they need to focus on improvement. The release of these report cards aims to drive change, encouraging franchises to improve working conditions.
Teams that score well in areas such as coaching, nutrition, and facilities are more likely to attract and retain talent, while teams that perform poorly in these areas risk losing player trust and facing long-term consequences.
By shining a light on the player experience, the report cards contribute to making the NFL a better league for everyone involved. Players spend a significant portion of their lives working within these organizations, so fostering an environment that supports their health, well-being, and professional growth is essential.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL Team Report Cards are an important step forward in ensuring that NFL teams are providing their players with the best possible environment to succeed. With insights from over 1,700 players, the NFLPA has created a comprehensive snapshot of how each team is performing in terms of player satisfaction, facilities, and overall team culture.
As these results are analyzed and shared, teams have the opportunity to improve their practices, enhance their work environments, and ultimately create a better, more supportive atmosphere for players. For future players, these report cards will be an invaluable resource when deciding where to build their careers.
To see each team's individual report card and learn more about the findings, visit the NFLPA Report Cards.