On Wednesday, the NFLPA released its annual league-wide report cards, surveying 1,695 players on various aspects of their teams, including locker room and weight room conditions, family treatment, food, travel accommodations, and staff quality.
The survey aims to help organizations improve workplace standards across the league. This marks the third year the report cards have been published.
"For years, players have wanted a resource that reflects their daily experiences and opinions about their workplace conditions. With that in mind, we launched the NFLPA Team Report Cards, a tool that has grown into a valuable resource for players," wrote NFLPA Chief Strategy Officer JC Tretter.
How did the 49ers grade out?
San Francisco ranked eighth overall among NFL teams, dropping two spots from last year's sixth-place finish.
"The 49ers ranked 8th overall, receiving high marks for ownership, coaching, strength staff, and their food program," the NFLPA wrote. "Players consistently point to the team's strong culture as its greatest strength."
Below are the 49ers' grades and how they ranked among the league's 32 teams:
- Treatment of Families: B+ (10th)
- Food/Dining Area: A (4th)
- Nutritionist/Dietician: B+ (10th)
- Locker Room: B (15th)
- Training Room: B- (21st)
- Training Staff: B- (25th)
- Weight Room: A- (12th)
- Strength Coaches: A (9th)
- Team Travel: A- (8th)
- Head Coach: A (10th)
- Ownership: A- (12th)
While areas like the training and weight rooms have improved since last year's report, other categories, such as treatment of families, saw slight declines. The NFLPA highlighted that the 49ers are one of only two teams that charge players—$40 per child—for daycare during home games. However, the team does provide a family room for those games.
Other complaints:
- Locker room: Players share that the showers frequently break.
- Training room: Players mention that the sauna frequently breaks.
Despite these concerns, 97% of surveyed players believe head coach Kyle Shanahan efficiently manages their time and is moderately receptive to locker room feedback. Additionally, players feel CEO Jed York plays a significant role in fostering a positive team culture.
The Miami Dolphins earned the highest overall marks in the NFLPA survey, while the Arizona Cardinals received the lowest.