A recent survey conducted by the NFLPA handed out grades for each of the 32 teams in the league. The Washington Commanders ranked dead last in the overall poll.
Former owner Daniel Snyder was subject to constant backlash and criticism during his 24-year stint with the Washington franchise.
Rumors of a toxic workplace and payroll fraud surrounded Snyder’s tenure, with dozens and dozens of former employees speaking out against his unbecoming behavior.
After years of speculation, Snyder finally sold the franchise last summer to Josh Harris, an American businessman with ownership stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and New Jersey Devils (NHL).
Harris took over the organization and promised fans a new era of football. However, based on a recent NFLPA survey, it’s evident that the Commanders have a long way to go.
NFLPA names Commanders the worst franchise for players
In the poll, several aspects of players’ day-to-day lives were assessed and reviewed. Of the 11 categories, the Commanders only graded higher than 18th (out of 32 teams) in one spot.
The lone ‘A’ grade came in the “Strength Coaches” category. “Ownership” fetched a ‘B’ while “Nutritionist/Dietician” received a respectable ‘B-minus.’
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After that, the report card gets rather ugly.
The Commanders again received the worst overall grade for its working environment for players in the NFLPA's second annual team report cards. Washington's strength staff again ranked high (5th-best) and ownership ranked 18th — notable after the sale to Josh Harris. But the new… pic.twitter.com/WWbzJB1NJB
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 28, 2024
“Head coach,” “Weight Room,” and “Food/Cafeteria” earned passing grades, but all three came in as 25th or lower in those respective categories.
The rest of the survey boasts multiple ‘F’ grades. “Locker Room,” “Training Room,” “Training Staff,” and “Team Travel” included. But the most damning in the eyes of players is the final category.
This is wild: A few #Commanders players revealed that there were multiple sewage leaks in the team’s locker room this year. The Commanders were graded as one of the worst teams in the recent NFLPA survey in number of different subjects. The new Ownership Group has their work… https://t.co/EXbKzh1mwI pic.twitter.com/pVDQTpmt9L
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 28, 2024
“Treatment of Families” received the lowest possible grade of ‘F-minus.’ The Commanders are one of seven teams that don’t provide gameday child care to players and their families.
The fan base is no stranger to hearing negative remarks from former players and employees. And the NFLPA report, featuring current players, only brings more animosity.
With a new ownership group headed by the well-respected Harris, there’s an opportunity for change. If the organization responds well to this feedback and improves daily life for players, it could profoundly impact how the franchise is viewed league-wide.