Steelers Face Challenges in NFLPA Report Card
The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit a rough patch, finishing last in the NFL Players Association's annual report cards for the first time in the four-year history of the survey. The main concerns? The condition of Acrisure Stadium's grass and a lack of investment in facilities.
While the Miami Dolphins have once again claimed the top spot, followed by the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders, the Steelers find themselves trailing behind teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns.
The NFLPA has decided not to make the report cards public this year due to a grievance filed by the NFL, which argued that the survey breached the collective bargaining agreement. However, ESPN obtained the results, revealing significant criticism aimed at the Steelers.
A recurring theme is the team's reluctance to invest in their facilities, a point of contention for team president Art Rooney II. Rooney was ranked 28th out of 32 owners last year in terms of investment in facilities, fostering a positive team culture, and commitment to competitiveness.
The survey highlights that Rooney ranks last in the league for investing in facilities, a sentiment echoed by the Steelers' poor ratings across the board. In a newly added category, the Steelers' home field was rated the worst in the league by a substantial margin.
Players have pointed out issues like inadequate maintenance and excessive wear due to hosting local college and high school games. The poor condition of the field is a common complaint, with players emphasizing the need for significant investment to bring it up to par.
The locker room also received a failing grade, with reports indicating it has only five bathroom stalls for the entire team. Additionally, players noted that the training room is lacking in updated recovery technology and modalities.
On a positive note, while the Steelers' strength coaches ranked last in the NFL, their training staff secured the top spot in the league. This contrast highlights the mixed bag of challenges and strengths within the organization.