NFLPA Report Cards Expose Travel Woes for Patriots and Eagles
The National Football League Players Association's latest "report card" has delivered a harsh assessment of two recent Super Bowl contenders. In the leaked 2026 player report cards, both the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles were handed an F grade in the critical category of team travel. This failing mark comes despite both franchises enjoying deep playoff runs and championship-level success heading into the offseason.
Survey Methodology and Leaked Results
The grades originate from an extensive anonymous survey conducted by the NFLPA, involving 1,759 players between November 2 and December 11, 2025. Although the NFL successfully filed a grievance to prevent the union from officially publishing the report cards this year, the complete results were obtained by ESPN and other media outlets. Detailed breakdowns for all 32 NFL clubs subsequently surfaced, providing unprecedented transparency into player working conditions.
Both franchises ended up in the same disappointing position on the travel evaluation line: flat out failing. According to the NFLPA data, the Patriots and Eagles each received an F in the team travel category. This grouping encompasses multiple factors including how players are transported across the country, the quality of the aircraft used, seating arrangements, and overall comfort during road trips.
Patriots' Performance Versus Player Experience
The context surrounding these grades amplifies their significance. The Patriots dramatically improved from a four-win season in 2024 to capture the AFC East title with a 14-3 regular season record and advance to Super Bowl LX. Despite this on-field success, the organization ranked only 26th out of 32 teams overall on the comprehensive report card. Their specific grades included:
- Travel: F
- Home game field: D
- Food and dining: D+
- Locker room, training room, weight room: C range
- Coaching: A for head coach Mike Vrabel and A for the offensive coordinator
Local reporting in New England has already highlighted specific player grievances. Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, via Boston.com, noted that the Patriots' team plane came under particular criticism. Players described outdated conditions, cramped space, lack of Wi-Fi, with one individual characterizing the aircraft as "borderline unsafe."
Eagles' Mixed Report Card Profile
The Eagles, meanwhile, finished 20th overall in the rankings, showing slight improvement from 22nd place the previous year. However, they also received another F in team travel, marking the second consecutive year players have failed the organization's travel setup. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that past surveys included complaints about coaches receiving first-class seating ahead of players on team flights.
Surrounding these travel issues, the Eagles' report card otherwise reflects a contender's profile:
- Travel: F
- Locker room: D
- Treatment of families: C+
- Home field and food: A
- Coaching: A for head coach Nick Sirianni, A+ for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, with As across most of the coaching staff
The emerging picture is straightforward: while players are delivering victories for both franchises, they are clearly dissatisfied with how these organizations transport them during the season.
League-Wide Patterns and Implications
Examining the broader league-wide report cards reveals significant patterns. The Miami Dolphins claimed the top overall position on the 2026 report cards, followed by the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders, all earning strong marks for facilities, support staff, and coaching quality. Conversely, the Pittsburgh Steelers landed at the very bottom in 32nd place, with the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns just ahead of them.
Travel represents one component of a larger workplace environment, but it is no longer a negligible category. The Eagles, Patriots, Steelers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all received failing travel grades this year. For veteran players considering free agency destinations and young stars contemplating second contracts, these evaluations will carry substantial weight alongside financial offers, playing roles, and schematic fits.
This development presents a significant challenge for front offices. The NFL attempted to block the NFLPA from making these report cards public, yet players successfully disseminated the scores. Now, two Super Bowl-caliber organizations enter free agency with an F grade in how they treat their roster during travel prominently attached to their brand identity.
