The Washington Commanders see major improvements in latest NFLPA survey

The culture is improving

It’s NFL Combine week, and the NFL is in Indianapolis to check out this year’s draft prospects, gauge free agency/trade markets, and spread rumors to improve their positions during the offseason. The players won’t be on the field until to workouts until tomorrow, but the NFLPA picked a great time to release this year’s player survey. Last year’s survey was rough on the Commanders, and Josh Harris infamously said, “I’m not an F- guy, I didn’t even know you could get an F-minus.” when told about the poor grades for the team’s facilities, amenities, and other areas that he hadn’t had a chance to make significant improvements after purchasing the team in July of 2023.

This year’s survey saw a significant jump in the team’s overall ranking, going from dead last to 11th in the league. Washington was also 32nd the previous year as the previous owner’s final days dwindled down and the sale was in the works. The Josh Harris ownership group has invested money in the team’s facilities to improve them for the players and staff, but the real improvements are down the road when a new stadium, and other team facilities are built.

Washington saw major improvements in treatment of families and training staff, with both improving to a B+ from an F- and F respectively. Team travel improved from an F to an A, and you could see some extra comfort in travel throughout the season through the team’s social media accounts. Dan Quinn was the highest-graded coach in the league with an A+, and ownership improved from a B to an A.

After finishing last for two consecutive years, the Washington Commanders surged to 11th overall. The Commanders’ improved rating reflects how meaningful improvements to players’ daily experience can be achieved, even with physical facility limitations.

Key to the turnaround was the hiring of Dan Quinn, who finished the season as the No. 1 ranked head coach across the league. Additionally, the team invested in the food program, improving their grade from a D+ to a B+. They also increased the frequency of family events and began providing daycare during home games which boosted their grade for treatment of families, rising from an F- to a B+. The improvement in team travel is notable, with 95% of players reporting comfortable personal space on flights, up from just 50% last year.

The team’s strength coaches deserve special recognition for maintaining an A rating year after year.

Despite progress, the facility itself remains a major issue. The building is old and in need of major renovation. Players single out the locker room as the area that needs attention.

When asked what the team does best, the most consistent response is clear: they are positively changing the culture—and it shows both in the survey results and on the field.