The NFL PA, the NFL players' association, released the report cards for all 32 teams during the 2023 season after surveying 1,300 players across the league. The purpose of the report card is to “highlight positive clubs, identify areas for improvement and highlight best practice and standards”. Unfortunately for the Dallas Cowboys, they experienced a significant drop in rankings from 2022 to 2023. After scoring high in all but two of the eight categories last season and finishing fifth overall, the team's performance this year has dropped Dallas from fifth to fifth in the rankings. 12th place in 2023.
The report card evaluates the team based on the categories that it believes best summarize the prevailing working conditions. Dallas has the lowest overall grade, a D+ in the weight room and ranks 30th out of 32 in that category. They earned four A's for handling their family, weight room, head coach and locker room. The owners received a B grade, placing them 19th in the league.
See full results and where the Cowboys rank among all 32 teams.
Treatment of family/A-/4th time
Food Service/Cafeteria/B/11th
Nutritionist/Nutritionist/B/11th term
Weight room/A/5th
Strength Coach/B+/17th place
Training room/C-/26th
Training staff/D+/30th place
Locker room/A/2nd
Team trip/C-/22nd place
Head Coach/A/9th
Owned/B/19th
Cowboys school year summary
“The Dallas Cowboys finished 12th overall in this year's rankings,” the NFLPA wrote. “There are several areas where the team shines. The facility grade was high again this year. Specifically, the players have high praise for the locker room, weight room and head coach Mike McCarthy.”
“Based on responses, Dallas' major issues center around the training room,” the report continues. “Athletes feel extremely understaffed in this sector, making it difficult for them to receive the preparation and treatment they need to perform at their best. Only 62% of players feel that way, which ranks 30th in the NFL.
“Another issue mentioned was that the players felt that the training room lacked basic equipment that would be standard at other training facilities.
Along with the grades, the NFLPA also provided custom solutions to improve the Cowboys' scores next season. Among the changes they suggest is hiring additional trainers to provide more one-on-one treatment to athletes.
“Due to our overall strong performance, it is easy to hire additional trainers and physical therapists to ensure our players receive the treatment they need to stay healthy and perform at their highest level,” the NFLPA said. It should be,'' he wrote.
