A recent poll conducted by the NFLPA gave the Kansas City Chiefs the second-lowest grade in its annual NFL report card.
The Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions, fresh off a walk-off overtime thriller against the San Francisco 49ers.
The triumvirate of Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce has hoisted three Lombardi Trophies in the past four seasons and will aim to become the first NFL team with three straight Super Bowl victories.
However, even with a budding dynasty in Kansas City, the daily conditions for players are far below an acceptable standard, according to a recent NFLPA survey.
In a poll conducted by the NFLPA asking players about treatment and working conditions, the Chiefs ranked 31st out of 32 teams overall.
Stephen A. Smith blasts Chiefs for “unacceptable” working conditions
Of the 11 categories, only one received a better than ‘C-plus’ grade, which was in the “Head Coach” category, as his players gave Andy Reid a perfect score.
However, other areas, such as the weight room, training room, and locker room, all fell well below the league average. It even branches up to ownership, as Clark Hunt received an ‘F-minus,’ the lowest score given to any owner.
The Chiefs are at the bottom of the NFLPA rankings for the second-straight year, and Clark Hunt ranked as the worst owner. https://t.co/VG4kxM2llL
— FOX4 News Kansas City (@fox4kc) February 28, 2024
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reviewed these grades on First Take and had a scolding assessment for the entire Chiefs organization.
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“The fact of the matter is, in order for change to be provoked, those who are in an elevated position have to step up and say this is unacceptable,” Smith said.
“Patrick Mahomes is universally recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks. Andy Reid is going into the Hall of Fame as one of the greatest coaches ever.
“We can take it in this realm. This is First Take. We’ve been number one, we’ve enjoyed a lot of success. But I have to speak up because it’s me.
.@stephenasmith reacts to the Chiefs receiving the second-lowest score for NFL teams in their second annual "report card" 😳 pic.twitter.com/ulTBQD0Nbp
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 29, 2024
“You’re Patrick Mahomes; that’s your franchise. You’re Andy Reid; that’s your franchise.
“You can’t go from A-list treatment to going home, and your stuff resembles the equivalent of a high school facility. So, to the Hunt family, I would ask you to look at this report. You have an obligation to do better as an organization.
“And yes, Kansas City Chiefs, if you are listening, you are being called out on national television for a dereliction of duty to people who produce for you on an everyday basis. Do better.”
Smith didn’t mince any words during his passionate rant toward the Kansas City brass. For a franchise as successful as the Chiefs, it’s alarming to see such a low quality of life for players.