Not every NFL team is created equal. And it’s no secret that, especially during free agency when veteran players have a large degree of say in where they suit up next, it’s often more than just a fat contract, a contending win-loss record, and a favorable depth chart that can be the deciding factor that attracts a player to a certain organization.
The Cowboys have long prided themselves on being a top-tier destination. Whether it’s the promise of extra primetime game exposure, the lack of state income tax in Texas, or simply the mystique of playing for America’s Team, Dallas always seems to be in the mix when players are seeking their next football home.
Turns out, the perception is grounded in a good bit of reality.
The NFL Players Association has released its first-ever “team report cards,” assigning letter grades to all 32 clubs in eight different categories ranging from weight room facilities to nutrition, the locker room, travel arrangements, and even treatment of players’ families.
According to union president JC Tretter, “providing players with information about each club would not only help them make important career decisions, but it would also help raise the standards across each club.”
Every NFL player on a 2022 team roster was asked to give their opinions regarding their team; over 1,300 players responded.
The Cowboys scored at or near the top in most categories and ended up in fifth place overall once all the grades were tallied into aggregate rankings. Here’s a breakdown of how they did in each category, and how they compare to some other clubs: