The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) has released its annual report card survey, which assesses the working conditions, facilities, and culture of NFL teams. While there is league-wide improvement in areas such as childcare and family accommodations, the New York Jets fell from 21st-ranked team to 29th due to concerns about team owner Woody Johnson’s willingness to invest in improvements.
Players cited a worsening food program, lack of attention to their needs by the training staff, and a perception that management made conditions worse when they responded to feedback. The report also noted that the Jets’ culture was characterized as “a problem” with top-down leadership.
In contrast, teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cincinnati Bengals showed significant improvement in areas such as facilities, staffing, and family accommodations. However, some teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, still have room for improvement, particularly in their team hotel for home games.
The NFLPA survey also highlighted the importance of treatment of families, with 11 teams not providing daycare during home games initially but down to just three last year. The Miami Dolphins defended their title as the league’s best workplace for a second straight year, followed by the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons.
Overall, the report card survey showed that while there is still room for improvement across the league, players are increasingly recognizing the importance of responsible and sustainable working conditions. As NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith noted, “What initially seemed like a shame campaign is really ‘How do we improve working conditions for our guys?'”.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nflpa-report-card-winners-losers-while-there-is-leaguewide-improvement-particularly-in-childcare-woody-johnsons-culture-of-fear-tanks-jets-results-160018059.html