By Mike Florio

Published February 15, 2026 07:29 PM

The NFL filed a grievance over the NFL Players Association’s annual report cards in order to keep the NFLPA from publicizing criticisms of teams and owners. The NFL won a ruling preventing the NFLPA from doing so.

Still, the 26-page ruling from arbitrator Scott E. Buchheit, a copy of which PFT has obtained, makes it clear that the next wave of report cards may be disseminated to all players.

The opinion also includes a full list of the criticisms about which the NFL complained from the 2025 report cards.

Here’s the full content of relevant portions of Buchheit’s written decision.

“As to the individual comments contained within the Report Cards that lead to the letter grades, the NFLMC has richly detailed that they do contain numerous criticisms. These include, but are not limited to, the following examples from the 2025 Report Card that are contained in its brief:

“New York Jets: The Union said Players complained that ‘management responded to feedback [from prior Team Report Cards] by making conditions worse,’ including cutting the food budget and not retaining a long-time dietician after poor food grades the prior year. The Union also graded owner Woody Johnson an F — the lowest owner rating in the league, 5.58 out of 10 — which, according to Players, resulted from his perceived unwillingness to invest in facilities. . . . Players cited ‘perceived top leadership issues, with some describing issues as “top-down problems”'—reflecting ownership concerns.

“Cincinnati Bengals: The Union again criticized treatment of families, stating that Players called it a ‘major concern’ and saying there is ‘little to no effort’ to support families. ‘One player describes the treatment of families as “‘almost disrespectful,”’ resulting in a grade of F-minus.

“Buffalo Bills: The Union dropped the Club in the overall rankings from prior years because ‘issues . . . previously raised [by Players] . . . have not been addressed and thus have become greater concerns[.]’ The Union claimed Players were concerned that ‘current [training] staffing is inadequate to help them recover,’ and ‘travel continues to be the worst part of their experience’ because they ‘do not have a comfortable amount of space when traveling and the travel schedule itself is a source of significant dissatisfaction.’

“Arizona Cardinals: The Union ranked the Club last overall based on Player feedback, criticizing the treatment of families (lack of family events, limits on pregame sideline access, poor in-game family accommodations), and a so-called deficient locker room, training facilities, and weight room. The Union stated that Players also faulted owner Michael Bidwill, saying he ‘slightly contributes to a positive team culture’ and is only ‘somewhat committed to building a competitive team[.]’

“Philadelphia Eagles: The Union highlighted that Players ‘are frustrated that mealtimes overlap with the organization’s business staff, leading to crowding and limited seats,’ and ‘feel they should get first class seats on team flights instead of the coaching staff.’

“Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Union published that Players criticized the locker room, lodging ‘several complaints about cleanliness, including poor ventilation and a persistent bad smell.’

“Jacksonville Jaguars: The Union gave the Club an F for treatment of families; ‘Players believe that many changes need to be made,’ including more access to sideline passes, a family room during the game, and upgrades to the post-game family area.

“Kansas City Chiefs: The Union said Players ‘continue to express the need for renovation and upgrades to the locker room’ and criticized the home game hotel as the ‘lowest in the league,’ remarking that it is ‘outdated,’ the beds are ‘uncomfortable,’ and the floors are ‘dirty and sticky.’

“Carolina Panthers: The Union continued to cite Player criticisms of owner David Tepper for using ‘turf instead of grass, perhaps because it is cheaper to maintain,’ and complained about travel due to the ‘new coaching staff moving players from first class last season and placing them in smaller, coach seats.’

“New England Patriots: The Union gave the Club a failing travel grade and singled out the ‘team plane’ —'Players specifically responded that “our plane is the worst thing – size, space, [and] safety,”’ and ‘it is not conducive to preparedness for athletic performance,’ because, among other things, ‘it lacks Wi-Fi and still has ashtrays in the seats.’ One player also referred to the carpeting in the locker room as ‘dingy with pieces missing.’

“Indianapolis Colts: The Union stated that Players complained of travel arrangements, noting that they ‘don’t feel like they have enough personal space on flights. They want more access to first-class seating.’

Those are the full complaints from the 2025 report cards that were included in Buchheit’s decision. Eleven teams in all were mentioned, with three owners identified by name — Woody Johnson, Michael Bidwill, and David Tepper.

The complaints listed in the 26-page ruling come from not from the to-be-released report cards but from the report cards prepared and published in 2025. It’s inevitable, however, that one of the many NFLPA members who’ll receive the 2026 report card will disclose them, to someone. Once they’re leaked (to PFT or to another outlet), we’ll post them here in full.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/cincinnati-bengals

Bengals were worst organization in NFL in 3-of-11 categories on final NFLPA report card

Matt Sullivan

February 13, 2026

The NFL made a big announcement on Friday, revealing that the NFLPA team report cards would no longer be made public, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

These report cards highlighted issues with certain teams and forced them to confront these problems. While some teams fixed them or maintained a high grade, others had some alarmingly low grades

Bengals finished 24th in final NFLPA report card thanks to 3 NFL-worst marks

There are 11 categories that teams are graded on. While the Bengals had a few solid grades, including five top-10 graded categories, their negatives weighed them down heavily.

These are all 11 categories, and their respective grades and league ranks:

Category	Grade	Rank
Treatment of Families	F-	32nd
Food / Dining Area	F	32nd
Nutritionist / Dietitian	C	32nd
Locker Room	A+	3rd
Training Room	B+	6th
Training Staff	A-	4th
Weight Room	B	16th
Strength Coaches	A-	12th
Team Travel	A-	10th
Head Coach	A	9th
Ownership	C	25th

While they have some impressive grades with their head coach and training facilities, the Bengals have some major issues regarding The Treatment of Families.

"The Bengals are one of only 3 teams that do not offer daycare during home games and one of only 10 teams that do not offer a family room during home games," the NFLPA report card indicates. "The Bengals are the only team in the NFL that fails to offer one of those two benefits."

That's already a rough look when the rest of the league is, at the very least, offering one of those benefits. The Bengals aren't doing either, and the players aren't happy with it.

"The Bengals players feel like there is little to no effort put forth when it comes to the organization's efforts to support their families," The NFLPA report card indicates. "One player describes the treatment of families as 'almost disrespectful.'"

That's a brutal report on the Bengals organization. It's by far the worst category for the Bengals, and it is a major concern going forward for the organization.

The Food / Dining Area grade of an F is also warranted. Players rated the food a 4.82 out of 10, which was last in the NFL. The freshness of the food was a 5.49 out of 10, which was also last in the league.

According to the report card, the Bengals are not offering their players three meals per-day, one of only two teams to not offer their players such a benefit. While this area is improving from years past, it's still far from ideal.

Regarding the Nutritionist / Dietitian category, Bengals players reportedly "want their dietitian, Lindsay, to be hired as a full-time employee."

The Bengals liked their dietitian, but with the team only allowing her to "be in the building two days a week," the players aren't getting enough chances to work with her.

With the NFLPA being forced to stop publicizing these report cards, the future grades of the Bengals' treatment of Families, their Food / Dining Area and their Nutritionist / Dietitian will not be known.

The Bengals final report card indicated changes were being made, but it's hard to know for sure going forward if those changes will be made, not that these report cards cannot be shared by the NFLPA.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/bengals-worst-nfl-3-11-categories-final-nflpa-report-card/665173b80b4f6552273f2a3c

<ninja> SHOCKING! </ninja>

Well given that the team is family run it is comical that they suck at a family atmosphere. It is literally the easist thing to do for players. Hell of a lot easier than drfating the right ones and working on complex contracts.

The Reds, by contrast, Nutritionist / Dietitian is in the dugout with them.

How it is possible, in the modern era, for there not to be 32 teams with an A+ next to Nutritionist / Dietitian, is beyond me.

How does any NFL team have coach sized seats on the team's charter? They probably don't travel more than a hundred people and it shouldn't be too hard to have enough full size seats for a group that includes a lot of 300+ pound men.

Discount franchise

Yawn 🥱

3 minutes ago, spicoli said:

Yawn 🥱

You and me both.

They are ALL—every team—paid so far and away, so much money that these “complaints” are unbelievably laughable.

“Only given two meals a day”….OMG. Some of them could buy Jeff Ruby’s. Quit making them out to be inner-city kids at public schools.

Unreal

7 minutes ago, Le Tigre said:

You and me both.

They are ALL—every team—paid so far and away, so much money that these “complaints” are unbelievably laughable.

“Only given two meals a day”….OMG. Some of them could buy Jeff Ruby’s. Quit making them out to be inner-city kids at public schools.

Unreal

It's not about what they can afford or whether they deserve free childcare or a special room set aside for bullshitting with all their cousins. Of course it's ridiculous, on that level.

The issue is that every other team provides these things and they don't. So, for a team that maybe is in dire need of free agents (not that they would ever be one of those since everyone is straight crushing it), but this is one more way they are at a competitive disadvantage. That's why it matters.

Obviously these guys can all afford to go buy themselves a cheeseburger. When it comes time to pick a team, though, they're probably not going to the only one that doesn't have free cheeseburgers. Not because of the burgers, but because it indicates the organization is probably cutting corners every way they can. Makes sense, right?

3 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

It's not about what they can afford or whether they deserve free childcare or a special room set aside for bullshitting with all their cousins. Of course it's ridiculous, on that level.

The issue is that every other team provides these things and they don't. So, for a team that maybe is in dire need of free agents, this is one more way they are at a competitive disasvantage. That's why it matters. Obviously these guys can all affors to go buy themselves a cheeseburger. When it comes time to pick a team, though, they're probably not going to the only one that doesn't have free cheeseburgers. Makes sense, right?

For me the far bigger issue is quality of diet pertaining to athletic performance. A top notch nutritionist / dietitian is going to insist on things like salmon and vegetables rather than cheeseburgers sometimes. Greek yogurt with blueberries and granola rather than Cinnamon Toast Crunch, etc. For guys paid millions to generate even greater revenue, it's astounding this isn't top of the list.

Just now, A Rock said:

For me the far bigger issue is quality of diet pertaining to athletic performance. A top notch nutritionist / dietitian is going to insist on things like salmon and vegetables rather than cheeseburgers sometimes. Greek yogurt with blueberries and granola rather than Cinnamon Toast Crunch, etc. For guys paid millions to generate even greater revenue, it's astounding this isn't top of the list.

Exactly, it's about maximizing the value of their investment by winning football games with a competitive advantage instead of looking for ways to save every last cent possible. It's not Walmart or the local chili parlor's benefits package they're competing with, it's Jerry Jones that probably keeps someone on staff just to trim these guy's toenails. If they want to run things like a budget chili franchise they should probably sell their NFL team and go buy a dozen of them.

If they want to compete in the NFL, they have to do the things that NFL teams do regardless of how they feel about it. That is the business they are in & they need to either accept it or find another business.

Or keep sucking from the NFL teat while whining about how everything is so unfair... But I've got no patience left for that bullshit.

25 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

Or keep sucking from the NFL teat while whining about how everything is so unfair... But I've got no patience left for that bullshit.

I mean, what are you going to do about it exactly…scream at the sky some more? How has that worked out for the last 30 plus years or so? 🤷‍♂️

These reports come out every single year and every year they say pretty much the same thing….Bengals are lagging far behind other teams.

Pretty obvious the FO doesn’t give a flying fuck, so why should we?

23 minutes ago, spicoli said:

I mean, what are you going to do about it exactly…scream at the sky some more? How has that worked out for the last 30 plus years or so? 🤷‍♂️

I figured I might talk about it on a Bengals message board, which is a website with a forum for talking about the Bengals. I know that seems to bother you - perhaps you are lost? A local library might provide the quiet & tranquil atmosphere you're after.

lol I just don’t see the point in caring so much if they don’t….thats all.

10 minutes ago, spicoli said:

lol I just don’t see the point in caring so much if they don’t….thats all.

and what does pointing that out repeatedly get you? i'd suggest internalizing the "not caring" part but it's all good.

2 hours ago, T-Dub said:

Makes sense, right?

Of course, it makes sense. It simply screams of elitism and entitlement. Golly, the Rams buy their ballboys Jambon Beurre at Petite Trois for lunch…I wanna sign there!

Just makes me seethe, that’s all. Whatever happened to the Junction Boys?

2 hours ago, T-Dub said:

and what does pointing that out repeatedly get you? i'd suggest internalizing the "not caring" part but it's all good.

I’m not talking about me, I’m talking about YOU. It’s a legit question…knowing full well that they could not possibly care any less about the fans, or anyone outside of the family for that matter, why then even waste a thought on their POS franchise? I’m just genuinely curious, I’m not trying to start anything.

1 hour ago, Le Tigre said:

Of course, it makes sense. It simply screams of elitism and entitlement. Golly, the Rams buy their ballboys Jambon Beurre at Petite Trois for lunch…I wanna sign there!

Just makes me seethe, that’s all. Whatever happened to the Junction Boys?

as it probably should, but whenever I start to feel some type of way about pro athletes I look at the team owners & it provides some perspective. The players act that way because we treat them that way. If anything's at fault it's our own priorities. How much should they get paid as entertainers sacrificing their long-term health for a multibillion dollar sports entertainment racket? All the monies, probably. They're certainly earning it more than "The Family."

11 minutes ago, spicoli said:

I’m not talking about me, I’m talking about YOU.

Uh, yeah, but why though? I'm here to talk about Bengals football. If you don't like that it's really not my problem. Unless "Go" himself is holding you hostage and force-feeding you this shit with the Ludovico Technique IDK, the solution seems pretty obvious here.

7 hours ago, T-Dub said:

Uh, yeah, but why though? I'm here to talk about Bengals football. If you don't like that it's really not my problem. Unless "Go" himself is holding you hostage and force-feeding you this shit with the Ludovico Technique IDK, the solution seems pretty obvious here.

Lol

"we will hide your side chicks, provide safe trusted travel for your drug riddled partying, pay you millions, promote you, pamper you, and hide all negative press we can....... and you cant complain that you dont have a private chef and cant bring 12 family members to every game in the back room publicy like a little bitch"

seems like a fair trade off, tbh.

16 hours ago, Le Tigre said:

You and me both.

They are ALL—every team—paid so far and away, so much money that these “complaints” are unbelievably laughable.

“Only given two meals a day”….OMG. Some of them could buy Jeff Ruby’s. Quit making them out to be inner-city kids at public schools.

Unreal

They're free to go to Jeff Ruby's on their own time but when they are at work, it's on the employer as to what is served at the pregame meal or how often the dietician is onsite, or how many guests a player can bring, etc.

Bengals seem to lag behind other teams in that area and it's not expensive to get to at least average. But the team doesn't seem inclined to care about what their players say to other players. That's unfortunate.

16 hours ago, spicoli said:

I mean, what are you going to do about it exactly…scream at the sky some more? How has that worked out for the last 30 plus years or so? 🤷‍♂️

These reports come out every single year and every year they say pretty much the same thing….Bengals are lagging far behind other teams.

Pretty obvious the FO doesn’t give a flying fuck, so why should we?

I don't..

Let them eat cake!!!

Hey if y'all are happy with the Oren Burks and TJ Slaton leftovers in free agency then sure.. Fuck those whiny, entitled, starter-quality little bitches! Let them eat sign with a real NFL team! We'll be just fine riding the 9-8 line with some REAL pros that don't care about accepting less! Because no one else would pay them starter money! Go team!!