Patriots Earn Mixed Grades in NFLPA Players Survey

Despite being heralded as a model franchise for greater than two decades for their on-field success under team owner Robert Kraft, New England’s players are seemingly less-than-pleased with their surroundings in and around Gillette Stadium. The player respondents’ feedback described the Pats facility as “old, dated and in need of renovation.” 

The survey results also identified a need for additional staff in the weight room and training room, while the facilities and operations could use a “refresh.” A new facility is scheduled to open for the 2026 season, which is expected to address the team’s current discontent with their facilities and playing surfaces.

The Patriots most surprising subpar score came from the ‘Travel’ category — in which the team earned a grade of “F.” New England has the distinction of being one of the few professional sports franchise to use its own modified private Boeing 767 to transport players and staff. However, players continue to feel like they have insufficient room to spread out, while lamenting the lack of WiFi available on the team plane.

Patriots Coaches, Executives Go to the Head of the Class

While the physical conditions remain a work-in-progress, the satisfaction with the Patriots’ personnel clearly increased from last season. Head coach Mike Vrabel earned and “A” for his efforts, grading highly in categories such as efficiency and player communication. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels joined Vrabel in earning an “A,” while special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer earned a “B+.” The defensive coordinator position, which essentially was powered by interim play-caller Zak Kuhr while under the tutelage of Terrell Williams, graded at a “B.”

As for ownership, the Krafts improved from a “D” to a ”B-“ while executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf graded at a “B+” While the executive team and front office still has work to do when it comes to overall player support, the hiring of Vrabel — along with the infusion of a culture driven by character and camaraderie has raised the overall morale in Foxborough.

The Miami Dolphins rated atop the NFL for working conditions, followed by the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders And second the third, respectively. The Pittsburgh Steelers ranked at No. 32 for the first time in the four-year history of the survey.

Earlier this month, the NFL filed a grievance, claiming the survey violated the collective bargaining agreement. After an arbitrator sided with the league, the NFLPA was allowed to continue collecting responses but prohibited from making them public. As such, the NFLPA did not publish the report cards in report format.