Some NFL Teams Got F Grades from Players in Annual Review; How Did the Chicago Bears Grade?
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) conducts an annual survey in which players rate various aspects of their teams, including working conditions, treatment, facilities, and overall management. This review provides a unique insight into how players view their own organizations and can shed light on areas where improvement is necessary. For many teams, this feedback offers an invaluable opportunity to address concerns and improve their operations moving forward.
In the 2025 survey, some teams received low grades, with a few even earning F’s in critical categories. But how did the Chicago Bears fare? Let’s break down the Bears’ performance in the annual NFLPA review, where the team stood, and what this means for the organization moving forward.
Overview of the NFLPA Survey
The NFLPA annual survey asks players to rate their team in several key areas, including:
- Treatment of Players: This includes how well players feel they are respected and valued by the team’s management and coaching staff.
- Facilities: Players evaluate the quality of team facilities, including training rooms, locker rooms, and weight rooms.
- Staff and Support: This focuses on how well the team’s medical, strength, and support staff serve the players’ needs.
- Travel: How well the team takes care of travel logistics, accommodations, and comfort during road games.
- Locker Room Environment: The culture within the locker room, including team chemistry, leadership, and the overall environment.
Players were also asked to rate their coaching staff and management. Teams that consistently fail to meet players’ expectations in these areas often receive poor grades, while organizations that focus on player welfare, top-tier facilities, and strong team culture tend to score better.
Chicago Bears’ Grades in the Annual NFLPA Survey
Unlike some teams that struggled with major deficiencies, the Chicago Bears were given generally favorable marks in several categories. While the Bears did not rank among the top teams in the league, they fared better than a few franchises that found themselves near the bottom of the list.
1. Treatment of Players
The Bears received a B- grade for how they treat their players. This is a relatively solid grade, indicating that while there are areas where the Bears can improve in terms of player relations, they are largely respectful and focused on player well-being. There have been reports of improvement in recent years in terms of the team culture under head coach Matt Eberflus, which likely helped improve this aspect of the survey.
In previous years, the Bears had struggled with internal player dissatisfaction, particularly around the leadership style of former head coach Matt Nagy. However, Eberflus has emphasized transparency, communication, and accountability, which likely earned him some goodwill among the players.
2. Facilities
The Bears received a C+ grade for their facilities. While Soldier Field is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL and has some significant limitations, the Bears’ practice facilities at Halas Hall are generally considered decent, though they’re not quite on par with the best in the league. For comparison, teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams have state-of-the-art facilities that far exceed what the Bears offer in terms of luxury, technology, and player amenities.
While the team has made efforts to improve Halas Hall, players still see room for substantial upgrades, especially with new developments in other NFL cities, raising the bar for facilities. The ongoing conversations about potentially moving to Arlington Heights for a new stadium could help address these concerns in the future.
3. Coaching and Leadership
For coaching, the Bears earned a B grade. Despite a tough season in 2022, Eberflus’ coaching staff is seen as competent and well-structured. The Bears have a young roster, and the players generally appreciate the organizational leadership that has been put in place to help them develop. While not at the elite level of coaching staffs in the NFL, the Bears’ coaches are seen as knowledgeable and willing to invest in player development, something that is often highly valued by players.
One potential area for improvement, however, could be in game strategy and execution, which has been criticized during their recent seasons. Even with the strong leadership in place, the Bears’ on-field performance has been inconsistent, and players may desire more confidence in critical moments.
4. Medical and Support Staff
The medical and support staff received a solid B+ grade. The Bears have worked hard in recent years to upgrade their medical and training staff, especially focusing on injury prevention and player recovery. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of cutting-edge medical facilities and treatment plans, which other teams with more advanced resources excel in.
In a sport like football, where injuries are a major factor in player performance and career longevity, a strong medical team is crucial. The Bears are aware of this and have been making strides to improve in this area. Players generally view the Bears’ medical staff as competent, but there’s a desire for more attention to detail and technological integration in injury recovery.
5. Travel and Logistics
The Bears received a B- grade for their travel arrangements. While not among the worst in the league, the Bears’ travel accommodations could use an upgrade. Given the Bears’ position as a historically successful franchise, their travel standards are not necessarily where they should be compared to some of the other organizations in the league. Players have mentioned that road games can feel more cumbersome than they should be, and there’s always room for improvement in terms of comfort and efficiency.
6. Locker Room Environment and Culture
The locker room environment received a B grade overall, indicating that the Bears’ culture has improved significantly since the departure of previous coaches. Eberflus has worked hard to create a positive and supportive atmosphere among the team, but the Bears are still a young team with a developing leadership structure. Team culture plays a huge role in on-field success, and although players have praised the current staff for fostering a respectful environment, it is clear that the Bears are still working on consistency and overall team chemistry.
F- Grade Teams: Who Got the Lowest Marks?
While the Bears earned decent grades across most categories, some teams received much lower marks. Several franchises garnered F’s or D’s, particularly in key areas like treatment of players, facilities, and support staff.
For example, the Arizona Cardinals received an F grade for their treatment of players, which included complaints about lack of communication and support from management and coaching. The Washington Commanders also received low marks for their facilities and team culture, with players indicating dissatisfaction with the lack of investment in player welfare.
The Chicago Bears, while not scoring at the top of the league, managed to avoid such harsh criticism. Their leadership has been making strides in many areas, though there’s clearly more work to be done, especially in the realm of facilities and travel.
What the Bears Can Learn from the NFLPA Survey
The NFLPA survey provides valuable insights that the Bears can use to continue improving their organization. While their grades in most categories were solid, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly in facilities and player treatment.
One key takeaway for the Bears is the need to invest further in their practice and medical facilities. As the league moves toward more advanced and cutting-edge infrastructure, the Bears risk falling behind if they don’t upgrade their resources. Additionally, while the coaching staff has earned respect, players are likely looking for more consistency in game management and decision-making.
If the Bears can focus on these areas, coupled with an improving on-field performance, they could see their grades improve significantly in future surveys—and, more importantly, create a more positive environment for their players. For now, the team is on the right track, but there’s work to be done to truly elevate the experience for the players.