Dolphins, Vikings get top grades in NFLPA survey for 2nd straight year - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — For the second year in a row, the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings earned top marks in the NFL Players Association's annual survey evaluating workplace environment.

Overall, grades improved in the union's latest survey, which was released Wednesday, with a 41% increase in areas earning an A-minus or higher and a 51% decrease in areas earning a D-plus or below.

The average grades of the bottom five teams — Steelers, Jets, Browns, Patriots and Cardinals — increased from a D-plus in 2024 to a C-minus in 2025.

«We really like the players to have a voice on their facilities, their working conditions, their likes, dislikes,» NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell said. "… The report card really provided an opportunity to see the entire landscape. One of the objectives was to inform our guys, and we're well on our way to doing a better job with that. Number two was to effect change. Just in my short tenure of being executive director, I've seen new locker rooms, new weight rooms, addressing family situations in terms of childcare. It's not universal, but certainly got the attention of the front office, the owners, coaches, trainers, and the like.

"… I think what initially may have seemed as a shame campaign, it's really how do we improve the working conditions for our guys. And it effects improvement."

In its third year conducting the leaguewide report card, the NFLPA received responses from 77% of its membership — or 1,695 players, averaging 52 responses per team. All players, including practice squad members, were eligible to participate in the report card. Surveys were conducted between Aug. 26 and Nov. 20.

Former NFLPA president and current chief strategy officer for the union J.C. Tretter said the report