Dolphins first, Steelers last in NFLPA report cards – report

The Miami Dolphins have finished first in the NFL Players Association's annual player report cards for the third consecutive year, according to an ESPN report on Thursday.

The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders rounded out the top three, while the Pittsburgh Steelers finished last for the first time in the four-year history of the survey.

“Players consistently describe the organization as ‘the best in the NFL,’” the survey said of the Dolphins, according to ESPN.

This year, 1,759 players responded to the survey, which grades teams on a scale from A+ to F across several categories, including head coach, team ownership, locker room, treatment of families, and home field—a new category added this year. The survey was sent to all active roster players from November 2 to December 11.

In past years, after survey results were made public, the NFL won a grievance against the players association, claiming the survey violated the league’s collective bargaining agreement. While an arbitrator sided with the league, the NFLPA has stated it will continue collecting surveys, even if the results cannot be publicly shared.

The Steelers reportedly ranked last in willingness to invest in facilities, locker room, and home field, with the home field category trailing “by a wide margin.”

“Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games,” the survey said, per ESPN. “Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard.”

The Arizona Cardinals, who finished last in the previous survey, moved up one spot to 31st, while the Cleveland Browns remained at No. 30, the same as last year.

-Field Level Media/Reuters