The NFL has filed a grievance against the NFL Players Association, alleging that the union's annual team report cards violate the collective bargaining agreement and league bylaws. The league claims the public release of player surveys criticizing team operations breaches rules on curtailing negative comments. The NFLPA plans to continue the surveys despite the dispute.
The NFL initiated the grievance in August, arguing that the NFLPA's team report cards infringe on a CBA clause requiring efforts to limit public criticism of clubs, coaches, or operations by players. Documents obtained by CBS Sports indicate the league also cites violations of its constitution and bylaws, which prohibit public critiques of member clubs or their personnel.
Each year, the NFLPA polls players on workplace conditions, grading franchises in categories such as ownership, head coaching, facilities, and family treatment. Results include overall rankings from 1 to 32 and are published on the NFLPA website, accompanied by media interviews. The NFL has requested the union suspend the surveys, proposing instead its own triennial player poll under CBA terms, which it describes as more scientifically valid.
Owners have opposed the report cards for highlighting deficiencies in underperforming teams. The league first asked the NFLPA to halt public releases in 2024 and again in June 2025. For the 2025 edition, released in February after surveying 1,695 players, the Miami Dolphins topped the rankings with no grades below an 'A' across 11 categories. The Minnesota Vikings placed second, followed by the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers in the top five.
At the bottom, the Arizona Cardinals ranked 32nd with six 'D+' or lower grades, while the New England Patriots were 31st. The Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers filled out the lower tier, with the Steelers at 28th, drawing criticism in nutrition, locker rooms, and strength and conditioning—last in the latter.
The NFLPA informed players of the grievance and vowed to fight it, calling the report cards 'an effective tool for comparing workplace standards' and aiding career decisions. Pittsburgh owner Art Rooney II dismissed the grades in March 2024 as 'a media opportunity for the players association' rather than constructive criticism. The NFLPA intends to release 2026 results early next year, with an arbitrator potentially hearing the case in February 2026.