Confidential results from the NFL Players Association's annual team report cards have been leaked to the media, defying the league's aggressive legal attempts to prevent their public release. According to survey data obtained by ESPN, the Miami Dolphins have secured the top ranking for the second consecutive year, with the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders following closely behind in the standings.
Steelers Plummet to Bottom of League Rankings
The Pittsburgh Steelers have shockingly fallen to dead last in the comprehensive assessment, which evaluates a wide array of critical factors. These include the quality of team facilities, cafeteria offerings, locker room conditions, training staff performance, strength coaching, ownership engagement, coaching staff effectiveness, and even the treatment extended to players' families. This marks the first instance where the Steelers have occupied the lowest position in the survey's four-year history.
Legal Dispute and Survey Controversy
Now in its fourth annual iteration, the survey has traditionally been published by the NFLPA at the conclusion of each season. However, earlier this month, an arbitrator sided with the NFL's argument that the report cards constitute disparagement of NFL clubs and individuals, thereby violating the collective-bargaining agreement. Despite this ruling, the NFLPA has continued to collect survey data from players, albeit under a publication blockade.
In total, 1,759 players participated in the survey, submitting their responses between November 2 and December 11. The NFLPA, league spokespeople, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and several other teams have all declined to comment on the leaked findings, maintaining a stance of silence amidst the ongoing controversy.
Owner Ratings and Team Performance
According to the leaked excerpts, Steelers owner Art Rooney II received particularly poor grades from players, ranking last in the league for willingness to invest in team facilities. This sentiment was reflected across the board, with the Steelers finishing near the bottom in multiple categories. A year ago, the six-time Super Bowl champions were ranked 28th, indicating a significant decline in player satisfaction.
Conversely, Atlanta Falcons owner and Home Depot founder Arthur Blank earned some of the highest marks from players, alongside Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and Vikings owner Zygi Wilf. The Arizona Cardinals showed marginal improvement, moving from 32nd place last year to 31st in the current rankings, though they also declined to comment on the results.
Vocal Criticism from League Owners
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the annual survey. At a league meeting in New York last March, Johnson told reporters that many owners view the survey as unfair, unbalanced, and unrepresentative of the broader player population. The Jets themselves have experienced fluctuating rankings, placing 19th in 2023, 21st in 2024, and 29th in February 2025, with Johnson falling to last place among owners at that time.
ESPN has not released the full survey results, and details related to the Jets' performance remain undisclosed. The Daily Mail has sought comment from Johnson through Jets spokespeople, but no response has been forthcoming. The Pittsburgh Steelers also reportedly struggled with a new category assessing home field conditions, further contributing to their dismal overall rating.
As the legal battle over the report cards' publication continues, the leaked data provides a rare glimpse into player sentiments across the league, highlighting stark disparities in team management and resource allocation that could influence future negotiations and team dynamics.
