It's that time of the year again. Just before the rush of the 2025 offseason, the NFLPA has released its report cards for all 32 teams following the 2024 season. The Players Association asked 1,695 NFL players to provide information to share with their current club. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the report card results were once again troubling.
The Steelers received a 'C-' for treatment of families, a 'C+' for nutritionist/dietician, and a 'C-' for strength coaches. Pittsburgh's best mark (unsurprisingly) came with their head coach grade. Mike Tomlin, who is known as a 'player's' coach, received an 'A'.
However, Steelers players got brutally honest with their grade for ownership—giving Art Rooney II a 'D' grade. This ranked 28th among 32 NFL teams.
Disgruntled Pittsburgh Steelers players share their frustration with owner Art Rooney II on NFLPA survey
Many fans would argue that Pittsburgh's problems start at the top with owner and team president Art Rooney II. But the players have even more reason to be upset with ownership.
While we have to watch the Steelers' eight-year playoff drought continue and are forced to stomach an outdated philosophy for success, these players are living it every day. Not only that, but Steelers players are unhappy with their work conditions. This is nothing new.
Based on the grades voted upon, the Steelers rank 26th in treatment of families, 30th in nutritionist/dietician, 27th in locker room, 25th in training room, and 32nd in strength coaches. In comparison, a team like the Minnesota Vikings—who have a top-of-the-line facility and top-notch accompanying staff—have between a 'B+' to an 'A+' in all 11 categories.
It's worth mentioning that there's not a direct correlation between player satisfaction and team success. The Philadelphia Eagles just won the Super Bowl, but their overall conditions ranked just 22nd in the NFL. Likewise, the Kansas City Chiefs—who made it to the Super Bowl—had an overall ranking of 26th on the NFLPA report cards.
Regardless, if the Steelers want to keep their players happy and improve their chances of landing highly sought-after free agents, it starts with Art Rooney II. Ownership can't cut corners, and Rooney should be doing everything in his power to ensure that his players are satisfied with their work conditions.