The Miami Dolphins have again claimed the top spot in the NFL Players Association’s annual report card, marking their third consecutive year in first place. The results, obtained by ESPN, show the Dolphins leading the rankings while the Pittsburgh Steelers plummeted to last place for the first time in the report’s four-year history. The Minnesota Vikings secured the second position, with the Washington Commanders coming in third.
The NFLPA survey revealed that players consistently regard the Dolphins as “the best in the NFL.” This sentiment is reflected in their overall high ratings, particularly in workplace environment and facilities. In contrast, the Steelers received poor marks across multiple categories, including facility investment and home field condition.
Steelers Face Criticism for Facilities and Management
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who ranked 28th in the previous survey, fell drastically to 32nd out of 32 teams. According to the survey, owned by the NFLPA, Art Rooney, the team’s owner, was rated last in the league for his willingness to invest in facilities. Players expressed frustration over the inadequate maintenance of the home field, which has suffered from excessive wear due to hosting various local college and high school games.
The report indicated that the Steelers’ locker room received an F grade, with players noting the limited availability of bathroom stalls. The training facilities were also criticized, as the training room lacks updated recovery technology. The team’s strength coaches ranked last in the league, although their training staff received the highest rating.
The NFLPA has opted not to release the report cards publicly this year following a grievance filed by the NFL. The league argued that the survey infringed upon the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by disparaging NFL clubs and individuals. An arbitrator sided with the league, supporting their claim that the report cards violated the CBA. Despite this, the NFLPA has stated it will continue to gather feedback for future reports, even if they cannot be published.
Positive Ratings for Dolphins and Vikings
In stark contrast, the Dolphins received high praise for their home field, with players highlighting the quality of the natural grass at Hard Rock Stadium. This year, Miami ranked fourth overall for home field conditions. The former head coach, Mike McDaniel, saw his rating drop from an A+ to a B, as players identified areas needing improvement in scheduling, communication, and leadership, presenting opportunities for new head coach Jeff Hafley.
The Vikings also performed well in the survey, earning high marks for their workplace environment. Owners Zygi Wilf of the Vikings and Stephen Ross of the Dolphins both received A+ ratings for their management styles. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons’ owner, Arthur Blank, similarly garnered high praise.
The NFLPA survey was conducted from November 2, 2025, to December 11, 2025, with responses from 1,759 players who were part of a 2025 roster. Last year, the survey had 1,695 players participating.
Criticism of the survey’s methodology arose when NFL owners, including Woody Johnson of the New York Jets, expressed concerns about the fairness and representativeness of the results. Johnson referred to the survey as “totally bogus,” suggesting that it did not adhere to the established processes agreed upon in the CBA.
As the NFLPA continues to collect player feedback, the disparity in ratings between franchises highlights ongoing challenges within team management and facilities. The Dolphins’ consistent success in the survey contrasts sharply with the Steelers’ struggles, raising questions about organizational priorities moving forward.
