One of the biggest jobs of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is to improve the working conditions of their players. Recently, 1,300 players provided information to the NFLPA in an effort to help improve the living standards across the league. Apparently, the Pittsburgh Steelers facility doesn't measure up.
From this data collected, the NFLPA gave letter grades for all 32 teams for each of the following categories: treatment of families, nutrition, weight room, strength staff, training room, training staff, and locker room. Here's how the Steelers scored, according to the NFLPA report cards.
Steelers Player Team Report Card
- Treatment of families: D-
- Nutrition: B+
- Weight room: C
- Strength coaches: A-
- Training room: D-
- Training staff B+
- Locker room: D+
- Team travel: B
Five of these categories ranked 22nd or worse in the NFL while only one (nutrition) ranked among the top ten with respect to other NFL teams. Based on the information gathered, the NFLPA determined that the Minnesota Vikings have the best overall facility, followed closely by the Dallas Cowboys. The Arizona Cardinals report card was the worst with four 'F's.'
Knowing that these professional athletes aren't exactly living in poverty, some might call these NFL players pampered. They still have a good setup. However, there are clearly major differences between the facilities in the National Football League.
The NFLPA's job is to protect the players when it comes to health, safety, finances, and even living conditions. These scores don't mean that the teams are required to update their facilities, but disgruntled players made it known that they aren't exactly pleased with the conditions at the moment.
For the players who come to work with the mindset of being a competitive football team searching for a championship, these facility annoyances may be minor. There are a few concerning marks against the Steelers in this player team report card, but these shouldn't affect them from getting back to the old grind and getting to work this summer.