- The NFLPA released a survey of its players, asking them to rate their teams in several factors.
- The Cincinnati Bengals ranked 27th out of 32 teams in the survey, while the Jaguars were 28th overall.
The NFLPA released the results of a player survey of its players, asking them to rate the teams they played for in several categories, including Treatment of Families, Nutrition, Locker Room, and Travel.
According to the NFLPA, 1,300 players responded about their 2022 teams, and the survey results were publicly released on March 1 with the intention of publicizing specific areas of improvement and to give potential free agents information that could be helpful when the signing period opens March 15.
Despite recent success on the field, the Cincinnati Bengals ranked 27th out of the 32 teams in the league according to the survey, including receiving an "F" grade from players in the category of Treatment of Families, and an "F-" with regards to Nutrition — both of which tied for last in the league.
"The Bengals are one of three teams that do not provide dinner to their players; they are also one of two teams that do not provide vitamins, and they are the only team that doesn't provide supplements," according to the survey.
Players also felt that the team was letting their family members down, especially players with wives and young children.
"The players who responded to the survey also complained that there is nowhere warm and safe for mothers and kids to go during the game because the Bengals do not provide a family room, unlike the majority of teams. Players reported that wives have sat on the public restroom floor to nurse their babies," the survey read.
Players from the Jacksonville Jaguars reported the same about the lack of private areas for families, particularly nursing mothers.
According to the report card, the Bengals and Jaguars are two of 14 teams in the NFL that do not offer a family room, and two of 11 that do not offer daycare.
The locker room in Jacksonville — which incidentally is reportedly rat-infested! — still seems have faith in owner Shahid Khan, as 95% of players have confidence that he is willing to invest to make the necessary changes. But players in Cincinnati don't share the same outlook for their team owner.
"These examples are consistent with players' opinions, with only 44% of respondents believing club owner Mike Brown is willing to spend money to make the facility better, ranking him tied for 29th in this category," according to the report.
Despite these grievances with the team, Bengals players did seem to think things had improved in recent years, with head coach Zac Taylor as one of the most well-liked coaches in the league, as rated by his players.
Still, the report makes clear that there are changes that all players would like to see, and with the issues now made public, it's possible more teams will face pressure to improve.
The Bengals and Jaguars did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.