The results from the NFL Players Association”s 2026 report card have surfaced, revealing a mixed bag of evaluations for the Dallas Cowboys. While there were areas of praise, significant concerns emerged regarding the team”s training facilities.
In a light-hearted moment, head coach poked fun at his own grade during an interview on local radio, joking about tracking down the player who gave him a low mark. However, the overall findings suggested that the Cowboys are facing serious scrutiny, especially in aspects tied to player health and recovery.
The annual survey collects anonymous evaluations from active players, covering various aspects of their franchise experience, including facilities, coaching leadership, and family treatment. Despite the Cowboys organization arguing in arbitration against the public release of these report cards, the results leaked, providing a glimpse into players” perspectives.
According to the leaked grades, the Cowboys received commendable ratings in their strength and conditioning facilities and offensive coaching. However, the most alarming scores included a “D” for the training room, which was the lowest rating in the report, and a “C” for the training staff. These scores indicate that players feel inadequately supported when it comes to physical therapy and recovery resources compared to their league counterparts.
Analysts have emphasized that these critiques are not merely superficial. Top-tier teams are increasingly investing in advanced rehabilitation equipment and robust medical staff to help players endure the rigors of a long season. The Cowboys” ratings suggest that they may need to prioritize these areas more seriously.
Other ratings were also middling, with a “C” for home field and team travel, indicating further organizational areas where players see potential for improvement. Even the “B+” for the locker room, while decent, does not place the Cowboys among the elite when compared to teams like the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots, who ranked first and second overall.
The feedback from players seems to reflect a franchise at a pivotal moment. While the Cowboys excel in certain aspects, there appears to be a disparity in how they support players” everyday lives and long-term health. The grades for both the locker room and weight room suggest that the basic infrastructure is not lacking, yet the functionality behind the scenes, particularly regarding medical staffing and recovery practices, has received pointed criticism.
