Improvement in NFL Working Conditions: A League-Wide Effort
The 2024 NFL season saw significant strides in improving working conditions for players across the league, according to the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). This year’s report cards, unveiled by NFLPA chief strategy officer JC Tretter, highlighted a 3.5-point average improvement across all 32 teams. The survey, which drew responses from 1,695 players (approximately 77% of NFLPA membership), revealed a 41% increase in the number of teams receiving A grades, jumping from 81 in 2023 to 114 in 2024. Additionally, the number of D-plus grades or lower dropped by 51%, from 65 in 2023 to 32 in 2024, with only four F-minus grades handed out this year. Tretter praised NFL owners for taking player feedback seriously and making tangible changes to better support their players. He emphasized that "the floor is rising," signaling a positive shift in how teams prioritize player well-being and workplace culture.
Notable Turnarounds: Chargers, Falcons, and Commanders Lead the Way
Among the 32 teams, the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Commanders made the most dramatic improvements. The Chargers jumped from 30th in 2023 to 5th in 2024, while the Falcons leaped from 25th to 3rd. The Commanders, who ranked last in 2023, improved to 11th this year. These turnarounds were attributed to significant investments in facilities, staffing, and player amenities. For instance, Commanders owner Josh Harris responded to his team’s failing grade in 2023 by upgrading food services, adding a family daycare facility, and hiring head coach Dan Quinn, who received the highest grade among all coaches this season. Similarly, the Falcons opened a new team facility and hired a new coaching staff, including head coach Raheem Morris, who ranked second among all coaches. These teams exemplify how listening to player feedback and making targeted improvements can lead to meaningful change.
The Role of Ownership in Shaping Team Culture
The NFLPA’s report cards also highlighted the importance of ownership in creating a positive team culture. Owners were graded on three key categories: willingness to invest in facilities, contributions to team culture, and commitment to building a competitive team. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank ranked among the top five in all three categories. Conversely, owners like New England’s Robert Kraft and Arizona’s Michael Bidwill ranked near the bottom in these areas. Tretter emphasized that ownership plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for a team’s success, both on and off the field. By prioritizing player needs and fostering a supportive environment, owners can directly impact their team’s performance and morale.
Coaching Staffs: A Key Factor in Player Satisfaction
The 2024 report cards also shed light on the impact of coaching staffs on player satisfaction. Washington’s Dan Quinn and Atlanta’s Raheem Morris received the highest and second-highest grades, respectively, for their leadership and ability to create a positive team culture. Similarly, the Falcons’ strength and conditioning staff improved from an F-minus in 2023 to an A this season, a testament to the importance of effective support staff. On the other hand, coaching staffs for teams like the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars received lower grades, reflecting the challenges they faced in managing player relationships and performance. These findings underscore the critical role that coaches and support staff play in ensuring player well-being and success.
Consistently High-Performing Teams Set the Standard
While some teams made significant strides, others consistently ranked among the best in the league. The Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings retained their positions as the top two teams overall, with the Dolphins earning A-plus grades in food, nutrition, and travel accommodations. The Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers also broke into the top five, rounding out a group of teams that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to prioritizing player needs. These teams serve as a benchmark for the rest of the league, showing that sustained investment in facilities, staff, and player amenities pays dividends in both player satisfaction and on-field performance.
Room for Improvement: Addressing the League’s Laggards
While the overall trends were positive, several teams continued to struggle in providing adequate working conditions for their players. The Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Cleveland Browns ranked among the bottom five teams, with the Cardinals receiving failing grades in categories such as locker room quality and weight room facilities. These teams face significant challenges in addressing player concerns and creating a positive workplace culture. To compete with the league’s best, they will need to take cues from high-performing teams and invest in areas that directly impact player well-being and performance. By doing so, they can not only improve their report card grades but also build a stronger foundation for long-term success.
In conclusion, the 2024 NFLPA report cards highlight a growing commitment across the league to improving player working conditions. Teams like the Chargers, Falcons, and Commanders demonstrated that targeted investments and a focus on player feedback can lead to dramatic improvements. However, the league’s laggards remind us that there is still work to be done to ensure all players have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. As the NFL continues to evolve, prioritizing player well-being will remain a critical factor in shaping the success of teams both on and off the field.
