NFLPA team report card reveals Dallas Cowboys rank fifth in overall working conditions
The NFL player’s union, the NFLPA released report cards for all 32 teams after surveying 1,300 players across the league. The report card is a new initiative with goals to “highlight positive clubs, identify areas that could use improvement, and highlight best practices and standards.”
Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys came out of the first review with flying colors in all but two of eight categories.
The report card grades teams for eight categories that they believe best encapsulate general working conditions. The categories are: Treatment of Families, Nutrition, Weight Room, Strength Staff, Training Room, Training Staff, Locker Room and Travel.
Dallas’ lowest grade overall, a C- for travel, has them tied for 23rd in that category. They received four A+ grades for treatment of families, weight room, strength staff and locker room.
Check out the full grades and where the Cowboys rank out of all 32 teams.
Treatment of Families/A+/1st
Food Service/Nutrition/A/T-1st
Weight Room/A+/T-1st
Strength Coaches/A+/T-1st
Training Room/B/T-8th
Training Staff/A-/T-15th
Locker Room/A+/T-1st
Team Travel/C-/T-23rd
Cowboys grade overview
Accompanying the NFLPA’s report card is an overview of the factors that stand out from the Cowboys’ grades:
“The Dallas Cowboys are ranked 5th best in the team guide. As you would expect for a team that is ranked this high, most of what was reviewed – facilities, equipment, staff and general support of players – was top-notch.
“There were only two issues that stood out that players feel could use improvement: first, the players feel like the training room is understaffed. The Cowboys trainers grade highly, but the players wish there were more training staff. Second, they are one of seven teams in the NFL that does not offer players first-class seats for travel. Instead, coaches and staff sit up front, and players sit in coach seats both before and after they play.
“Another positive note, Mike McCarthy sets aside time every week for his players to recover, which is greatly appreciated, making him one of the most well-liked coaches in the league.
“96% of the team believes that Jerry Jones is willing to invest to make the facilities better, ranking him at 12th overall. With an investment into more staff in the training room and better travel accommodations, the Cowboys could climb even higher next year.”