The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL were probably a little bit relieved when a ruling was made earlier in the 2026 offseason that stated the NFLPA would no longer be allowed to make organizational report cards open to the public. These report cards analyze every part of an organization, receiving input from players. The Steelers have not had the best report cards in recent years as the franchise has consistently been talked about in a negative light when it comes to its training facilities, as well as its home stadium. That trend continued this time around, as Pittsburgh ranked dead last on the report card.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers Team President and Owner Art Rooney II holds a slight grin while talking to the media.
ESPN's Kalyn Kahler obtained the NFLPA report card for the 2025 season, and it was not a great look for Pittsburgh. The Miami Dolphins finished in first place according to the players, while the Steelers were 32nd, one spot behind the Arizona Cardinals. This is mostly a reflection on ownership and the group's willingness to spend on improving facilities, as well as the overall environment for its players. Players want to see improvement in the facilities, locker rooms, and more, but that has not happened. Kahler discussed Pittsburgh's standings in the rankings.
"The Steelers received low grades in several categories, according to the results obtained by ESPN. 'Art Rooney ranks last in the league for willingness to invest in facilities, a trend reflected in the Steelers' poor facility ratings across the board,'" the survey said. "In a new category added this year, the Steelers had the lowest rated home field in the league by a wide margin, 'Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games. Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard.'"
Pittsburgh's home playing surface was a point of contention throughout the 2025 season. It sparked controversy after captain Miles Killebrew suffered a brutal, non-contact knee injury while running down the field. It cost him the rest of the 2025 season. The main argument was that the Steelers were sharing their field with the Pittsburgh Panthers, which accelerated the wear and tear of the field, and the required maintenance was not provided between contests.
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Steelers' Art Rooney II speaks during his press conference at the end of the 2025 season.
It isn't just facilities and the stadium that is a problem for the Steelers. The strength coaches from the 2025 season were seen as an issue, as was the team's locker room. Organization's around the league have enhanced, futuristic looking locker rooms with a ton of amenities. Just from seeing videos from the media after games in Pittsburgh, the Steelers do not have that.
"The Steelers' locker room was graded an F," Kahler wrote. "Players reported that it has only five bathroom stalls for the entire team. Per the survey, players report that the Steelers' training room lacks updated recovery technology and modalities. Pittsburgh's strength coaches ranked last in the NFL, while the training staff ranks first in the NFL."
This is completely embarrassing for the Steelers, and it is a good example of why some owners were fighting to keep the NFLPA report cards away from the public eye. Team President and Owner Art Rooney II is going to be bashed for this, as he should. It is worth noting that the Steelers brought in a new strength staff under new head coach Mike McCarthy, so that point of the report is moot.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy addresses the media in his introductory press conference.
Steelers Need To Improve In Several Areas
These reports might seem silly to some, but they legitimately can affect a player's decisions when it comes to free agency, or even signing a second contract with the organization. At any job, a person is going to want the best work environment, and the Steelers do not currently provide that. Change needs to happen, especially now that Pittsburgh doesn't have Mike Tomlin around to draw in players.
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