The New York Jets have been graded the worst group within the NFL for possession on this 12 months’s NFL Gamers Affiliation office survey, with gamers describing a “tradition of worry” beneath proprietor Woody Johnson. The Jets ranked twenty ninth out of 32 groups within the total report card, falling eight spots from final 12 months’s rankings.
“They talked concerning the tradition – it’s an issue, prime down,” NFLPA chief technique officer JC Tretter mentioned of Jets gamers’ responses to the survey. “[They said,] ‘It’s a tradition of worry right here.’ And I believe that stood out in these grades.”
Gamers cited issues that Johnson was not keen to put money into enhancements, didn’t contribute to a constructive office tradition, and didn’t decide to constructing a aggressive group. He ranked lifeless final amongst homeowners within the survey. The Jets slumped to a 5-12 report within the 2024 season, fired their head coach, had been dogged by studies that Johnson’s teenage son Brick had a say in group choices and missed the playoffs for a 14th successive season.
Whereas the Jets’ office scenario worsened, the Washington Commanders noticed a drastic turnaround following the compelled sale of the franchise by Daniel Snyder in 2023. New proprietor Josh Harris vowed to vary the group’s repute after final 12 months’s NFLPA report graded the Commanders because the league’s worst office.
“I’m not an F-minus man,” Harris mentioned after buying the group.
He delivered on that promise, as Washington jumped from thirty second to eleventh within the total rankings. First-year head coach Dan Quinn obtained an A+ grade from his gamers after main the group to a stunning 12-5 report and an NFC Championship Recreation look. The Commanders additionally considerably improved their meals companies, journey lodging, and household help, incomes a B grade this 12 months. Gamers for the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins additionally gave their head coaches an A+.
The Tremendous Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles noticed an enchancment of their office standing as properly. After ending 14th final 12 months, they climbed into the highest 10, benefiting from continued funding of their amenities and employees. Gamers praised the group’s dedication to efficiency and participant well-being, reflecting the group’s successful tradition on and off the sphere.
For the second straight 12 months, the Dolphins had been ranked the NFL’s greatest office. They had been adopted by the Vikings, Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. The Falcons made the largest leap, leaping from twenty fifth to 3rd, due to main facility upgrades, a brand new power employees, and first-year head coach Raheem Morris’s A+ grade. The Houston Texans, Inexperienced Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers rounded out the highest eight.
On the backside of the rankings, the Arizona Cardinals had been rated because the worst group for office circumstances, adopted by the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Whereas the league noticed total enhancements in working circumstances – together with the decision of previous points like soiled bathe water, rats, and unstable weight room flooring – the Falcons reported a air flow difficulty of their locker room that brought on “main complaints” about odor.
Now in its third 12 months, the NFLPA’s report card survey gathered responses from 1,695 gamers – 77% of the union’s lively and apply squad members. Gamers awarded their groups 41% extra A-minus or higher grades than final 12 months, whereas D-plus rankings fell by 51%.
“What initially appeared a disgrace marketing campaign is basically, ‘How will we enhance working circumstances for our guys?’” NFLPA govt director Lloyd Howell mentioned. “It doesn’t imply it’s important to construct a brand new constructing, however we’re saying, ‘Be accountable.’ And I’m seeing they’re.”
