The NFL may have managed to stop the NFL Players Association from publicly releasing their popular team report cards this year, but that didn't stop the results from being leaked right as the NFL Combine kicked off Thursday. While many NFL owners have to be upset right now, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II must be fuming.
Pittsburgh was ranked dead last at 32nd according to ESPN's Kalyn Kahler, falling from 28th a year ago. Players ranked the Steelers last in several categories, including the newly added home-field quality rating.
It should be no surprise that Pittsburgh finished last based on what we have consistently seen show up as issues in past report cards. Rooney II has failed to make meaningful investments to upgrade the locker room, the general condition of Acrisure Stadium, and the team's practice facilities. This isn't something fans should shrug off: the Steelers should be humiliated by these results.
The Pittsburgh Steelers NFLPA report card results continue a disappointing trend
For a franchise that prides itself as being one of the most successful in NFL history, they ave done a poor job keeping that image up over the past decade. Rooney II has allowed the team to fall behind in several important areas, including the environment the players get to work in.
According to the survey, players had this to say about Rooney's lack of care for his facilities.
"Art Rooney ranks last in the league for willingness to invest in facilities, a trend reflected in the Steelers' poor facility ratings across the board."
Then there is the issue of Acrisure's shared usage by The University of Pittsburgh's football team and others.
"Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games," the survey said. "Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard."
Fans have complained about this very issue for years, and I doubt it will be changing anytime soon. When ESPN reached out to the Steelers for comment, they were left with a predictable response.
"We are not going to comment on a report that we have not seen in its entirety."
The Steelers can avoid commenting all they want. It won't change the reality that these results are embarrassing for the entire organization, and it reveals how far the franchise has to go if it wants to return to prominence. They don't have to be the top team in these rankings by any means, but it wouldn't hurt to invest in modernizing the facilities and stadium. Without the allure of playing for Mike Tomlin in their back pocket, it could make signing players more difficult if they don't.