NFLPA Report Cards 2026: Dolphins Lead, Steelers Lag

The Miami Dolphins have once again topped the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA) annual report cards, earning the highest marks for the third consecutive year. The report, based on a survey of 1,759 players who were on a 2025 roster, grades franchises from A-plus to F-minus on various aspects of the player experience, from ownership to treatment of families. The Pittsburgh Steelers received the lowest overall grade, marking a significant decline for the organization.

Key Findings from the 2026 NFLPA Report Cards

Here’s a look at the top and bottom teams, as well as some notable takeaways from the survey:

Top 3 Teams

• Miami Dolphins: Consistently praised by players as “the best in the NFL,” earning the top spot for the third year in a row. ESPN
• Minnesota Vikings: Secured the second-highest ranking.
• Washington Commanders: Finished third overall.

Bottom 3 Teams

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Finished last for the first time in the four-year history of the survey, a substantial drop from their 28th-place ranking the previous year. ESPN
• Arizona Cardinals: Remained at the bottom, continuing a trend of low ratings.
• Cleveland Browns: Maintained their 30th-place ranking from the previous year.

Specific Areas of Concern

The survey highlighted several areas where the Steelers received particularly low grades:

• Facilities Investment: Steelers owner Art Rooney ranked last in willingness to invest in facilities.
• Home Field Condition: The Steelers’ home field received the lowest rating in the league, with players citing inadequate maintenance and overuse by local college and high school teams.
• Locker Room: The Steelers’ locker room was graded an F, with players noting a lack of sufficient bathroom stalls.
• Recovery Technology: The training room was criticized for lacking updated recovery technology.
• Strength Coaches: Strength coaches received the lowest ranking in the NFL, despite the training staff itself being ranked first.

Coaching Changes and Impact

The report also noted a slight dip in the grade for former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, from an A-plus to a B. Players identified areas for improvement in scheduling, communication, and leadership, presenting opportunities for new head coach Jeff Hafley. ESPN

NFL Response and Survey Validity

The NFLPA conducted the survey between November 2 and December 11, 2025. Though, the NFL filed a grievance arguing that the report cards violated the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). An arbitrator sided with the NFL, stating the survey “disparaged NFL clubs and individuals.” the NFLPA is not publicly releasing the full report cards this year, but continues to collect player responses. ESPN

The NFL sent a memo to all teams stating the survey results are “neither reliable nor scientifically valid” and recommending clubs prioritize direct feedback from their own players. ESPN

Ownership Grades

Owners Zygi Wilf of the Vikings, Stephen Ross of the Dolphins and Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons received A-plus grades for ownership. Conversely, Woody Johnson (Jets), Art Rooney (Steelers), Robert Kraft (Patriots), Michael Bidwill (Cardinals) and David Tepper (Panthers) received ownership grades of D or worse in 2025.