No family rooms and a rat infestation: NFL players list team gripes

The Minnesota Vikings treat their players best, according to a new NFL Players Association survey, while the Washington Commanders have a long way to go.

The report, released on Wednesday during the league’s annual scouting combine, rated teams in eight categories – from meals and nutrition to training and travel – based on anonymous responses from about 1,300 players.

The Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders were the top three teams while the bottom trio were the Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs were ranked as the fourth-worst team on the list.

“Player health and safety is our top priority, and we continue to invest in our facilities, including a new practice field, new turf in the practice bubble and increased meeting room space,” a spokesperson for the Commanders said. “We know there is more to do, and we regularly talk with our players about ways to improve their work environment and the experience for their families.”

Results showed three teams don’t serve players dinner at their facilities and one of those, the Cincinnati Bengals, doesn’t provide supplements or phone-charging plugs in lockers. And last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars dealt with a rat infestation.

“When asked what the number one thing they want changed at their facility, the answer was unanimous – get rid of the rats!” Jacksonville’s report card read. “Players reported that for 3-4 weeks this season, there was a rat infestation in the locker room and laundry hampers.”

NFLPA president JC Tretter insisted the survey isn’t meant to shame teams. It’s intended to highlight teams that treat players and those that need to improve by highlighting the best