The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has released its third annual team report cards, shedding light on the best and worst organizations in the league according to player feedback. The results offer a brutally honest assessment of NFL franchises, highlighting everything from training facilities and locker rooms to ownership and team travel.
And for one owner in particular, the reviews were downright scathing.
Woody Johnson Receives NFL’s Worst Ownership Grade
Among the 32 owners evaluated, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson received the lowest grade of all—an “F” rating. According to the survey, players felt management not only ignored past concerns but actively made conditions worse in response to criticism.
“Rather than addressing concerns, players believed that management responded to feedback by making conditions worse,” the Jets’ report read.
A prime example? The team’s food program.
Last year, New York received poor marks in this category, and rather than improving the situation, players felt that the team actually cut the food budget and let go of their highly-rated dietitian.
While Johnson ranked dead last, other low-scoring owners included:
- Michael Bidwill (Arizona Cardinals) – D-
- Robert Kraft (New England Patriots) – D
- Art Rooney III (Pittsburgh Steelers) – D
On the other end of the spectrum, Stephen Ross (Miami Dolphins), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons), and Zygi Wilf (Minnesota Vikings) all received A+ ratings for their ownership.
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Cardinals Rank Dead Last Overall in Team Rankings
While the Jets had the worst ownership rating, the Arizona Cardinals ranked as the worst overall team in the NFL according to player feedback.
One of the biggest complaints? Outdated team facilities.
“The top concern for many players is the need for an updated, modernized, and expanded team facility,” the report read. “Nearly every space within the facility is described as too small, especially the team’s locker room.”
The Cardinals also received failing grades in key areas such as:
- Locker Room (F-)
- Weight Room (F)
- Training Room (D-)
- Treatment of Families (F)
Arizona wasn’t alone in the basement. The New England Patriots (31st), Cleveland Browns (30th), New York Jets (29th), and Pittsburgh Steelers (28th) rounded out the league’s bottom five.
Other Notable Low Grades: The NFL’s Biggest Problems According to Players
- Buffalo Bills received the worst grade for team travel (F-)
- Cincinnati Bengals scored lowest in food/dining (F) and treatment of families (F-)
- New England Patriots & Arizona Cardinals had the worst weight rooms (F)
- Cleveland Browns & Arizona Cardinals ranked last for locker rooms (F-)
- Pittsburgh Steelers had the worst strength coaches (C-)
- Cleveland Browns received the lowest grade for training staff (C-)
NFL’s Best Teams to Play For: Miami Dolphins Take the Top Spot
At the other end of the rankings, the Miami Dolphins were voted the best organization in the NFL, edging out the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Players praised Miami for creating an “extremely positive player experience,” citing major improvements to locker room renovations, strength coaching, travel accommodations, and nutrition programs.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons made the biggest leap in the rankings, jumping from 25th last year to 3rd overall.
Complete NFLPA Team Report Card Rankings
Top 10 Teams According to Players:
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
- Atlanta Falcons
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Houston Texans
- Green Bay Packers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Detroit Lions
- Dallas Cowboys
Bottom 5 Teams According to Players:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- New York Jets
- Cleveland Browns
- New England Patriots
- Arizona Cardinals
Some of the NFL’s Best Teams Received Surprisingly Low Marks
Interestingly, some of the league’s most successful teams finished near the bottom of the rankings.
- The Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles ranked just 22nd overall. Players pointed to gameday childcare issues and poorly organized meal schedules as areas in need of improvement.
- The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off an AFC Championship, finished 26th overall. Despite a strong on-field product, players still want improvements to the locker room and team hotel accommodations.
- The Buffalo Bills (23rd) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27th) also placed surprisingly low.
The Best and Worst Coaching Grades
On the coaching side, six head coaches received A+ grades for their leadership:
- Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons)
- Dan Quinn (Washington Commanders)
- Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings)
- Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions)
- Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins)
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns received the lowest coaching grades (C).
Final Takeaway: The NFLPA Report Matters More Than Ever
With 77% of all NFL players participating in this year’s survey, the NFLPA’s team report cards provide one of the most accurate reflections of what it’s actually like to play for each organization.
The results highlight which teams prioritize player well-being and which teams still have major work to do behind the scenes—and in an era where free agency and player movement are more prevalent than ever, these rankings could play a significant role in where players choose to sign in the future.
For the Dolphins, Vikings, and Falcons, their high rankings could help attract top talent. Meanwhile, for teams like the Cardinals, Jets, and Patriots, these failing grades might serve as a wake-up call for ownership—before their reputations make it even harder to lure free agents.
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