The Miami Dolphins finished first in the NFL Players Association’s annual player report cards for the third year in a row, according to an ESPN report on Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders rounded out the top three, while the Pittsburgh Steelers finished in last place for the first time in the fourth time the survey has been conducted.
“Players consistently describe the organization as ‘the best in the NFL,” the survey said of the Dolphins, according to ESPN.
Per ESPN, 1,759 players responded to this year’s survey, which grades teams on a scale of A+ to F on things ranging from head coach and team ownership to locker room, treatment of families and home field, a new category this year. The survey was sent to everyone on an active roster at the time the survey was conducted from Nov. 2 to Dec. 11.
After survey results were made public each of the first three years, the NFL won a grievance against the players association, claiming it violated the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
While an arbitrator agreed with the league, the NFLPA made it clear it intends to continue collecting surveys going forward even if they can’t be publicly shared.
The Steelers reportedly finished last in willingness to invest in facilities, locker room and home field, the latter so “by a wide margin.”
“Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games,” the survey said, per ESPN. “Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard.”
The Arizona Cardinals, who finished in last place a season ago, moved up one spot to 31st. The Cleveland Browns remained at No. 30, where they ranked last year.
–Field Level Media
