NFLPA Report Cards 2026: Miami Dolphins Lead, Pittsburgh Steelers Struggle

The Miami Dolphins have once again topped the NFL Players Association's annual report cards for the third year in a row, with the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders following closely behind. The Dolphins were praised by players as the best organization in the NFL, while the Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves at the bottom of the rankings for the first time ever. The Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns also received low rankings in the 2026 survey.
This year, the NFLPA has decided not to make the report cards public due to a grievance filed by the NFL, claiming that the survey violated the collective bargaining agreement. Despite this, the NFLPA will continue to collect responses for future report cards. The report cards grade franchises on various aspects, with this year's results based on feedback from 1,759 players who participated in the survey.
The Steelers received poor grades in multiple categories, including facility maintenance and home field conditions. Players cited issues such as inadequate facilities and poor field conditions, calling for more investment to improve the overall environment. The Steelers' locker room and training room were also criticized for lacking updated technology and resources.
On the other hand, the Miami Dolphins ranked highly in the survey, particularly for their home field at Hard Rock Stadium. Former head coach Mike McDaniel's grade dropped slightly, highlighting areas for improvement in scheduling, communication, and leadership. The Vikings and Dolphins were praised for their workplace environment in previous surveys, with owners Zygi Wilf, Stephen Ross, and Arthur Blank receiving top grades.
Overall, the NFLPA's annual report cards provide valuable insights into player perceptions of NFL franchises, highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement. The rankings offer a unique perspective on how players view their teams and the overall league environment.