02-26-2025, 07:36 PM -
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports...28429.html
The NFL Players Association’s annual survey was released on Wednesday, and the results showed the Carolina Panthers still have many areas for organizational improvement. The Panthers earned the 25th overall ranking out of 32 NFL teams, according to the survey. That was a drop of eight spots from a year prior.
The survey cited “a lack of space in the facility, declining travel conditions and the continued use of turf over grass” as the primary reasons why the organization earned such a low grade in the eyes of its players.
Similar to last year, too, David Tepper also earned an underwhelming mark. The Panthers earned a D- grade in “ownership” — 31st out of 32 teams. Tepper ranked only ahead of the New York Jets’ Woody Johnson. Per the survey overview: “The need for renovations and the continued use of turf instead of grass, perhaps because it is cheaper to maintain, continue to be drivers owner David Tepper’s low grade.”
The NFLPA survey began in 2023 as a way for the NFLPA to further advocate for their membership: to push for better field surfaces and standardized safety protocols and more. It’s also a roadmap for free agents — both to highlight positive clubs, to identify clubs that need improvement and highlight best practices and standards. Only 35 players took the NFLPA survey in Carolina. That ranks among the bottom-five in participation across the league, NFLPA representatives said in a meeting explaining the results on Wednesday. The team with the most survey participation was the New York Giants with 68 players. The survey was administered from Aug. 26 to Nov. 20.
Tepper Sports and Entertainment announced last year robust plans to renovate Bank of America Stadium. Those plans included the construction of an indoor practice facility in uptown, something that veteran Adam Thielen said is overdue.
Another low mark came in “team travel,” where the Panthers earned a “D” grade. The survey cites that fewer players feel they had a comfortable amount of personal space on team flights this year “because coaches moved into first class seats, leaving players with smaller seats.”
The organization earned top-10 distinctions in its treatment of families, its nutritionist and its training staff. According to the survey, 79% of the players reported that they get an individualized nutrition plan and that the team dietitian is “very accessible.” Kate Callaway is the director of performance of nutrition, and Tim Rabas is the performance nutrition assistant, according to the team website.
The survey also says the team frequently organizes family events and provides a daycare and a family room during home games, bumping up the family score.
As for the training staff: 89% of Panthers players report that they receive enough one-on-one treatment, and that the training staff moderately contributes to their overall success. The team hired former Bills associate athletic trainer Denny Kellington as the new vice president of player health and performance earlier this month. Kellington replaced former head athletic trainer Kevin King and former director of health, performance and innovation Andrew Althoff, who were let go during the offseason.
Panthers’ NFLPA grades in 2025
Treatment of families: B+, 7th
Food / dining area: B, 18th
Nutritionist / dietitian: A-, 8th
Locker room: C, 20th
Training room: B-, 18th
Training staff: B+, 7th
Weight room: C+, 27th
Strength coaches: A, 8th
Team travel: D, 29th
Head coach: A-, 17th
Ownership: D-, 31st
The NFL Players Association’s annual survey was released on Wednesday, and the results showed the Carolina Panthers still have many areas for organizational improvement. The Panthers earned the 25th overall ranking out of 32 NFL teams, according to the survey. That was a drop of eight spots from a year prior.
The survey cited “a lack of space in the facility, declining travel conditions and the continued use of turf over grass” as the primary reasons why the organization earned such a low grade in the eyes of its players.
Similar to last year, too, David Tepper also earned an underwhelming mark. The Panthers earned a D- grade in “ownership” — 31st out of 32 teams. Tepper ranked only ahead of the New York Jets’ Woody Johnson. Per the survey overview: “The need for renovations and the continued use of turf instead of grass, perhaps because it is cheaper to maintain, continue to be drivers owner David Tepper’s low grade.”
The NFLPA survey began in 2023 as a way for the NFLPA to further advocate for their membership: to push for better field surfaces and standardized safety protocols and more. It’s also a roadmap for free agents — both to highlight positive clubs, to identify clubs that need improvement and highlight best practices and standards. Only 35 players took the NFLPA survey in Carolina. That ranks among the bottom-five in participation across the league, NFLPA representatives said in a meeting explaining the results on Wednesday. The team with the most survey participation was the New York Giants with 68 players. The survey was administered from Aug. 26 to Nov. 20.
Tepper Sports and Entertainment announced last year robust plans to renovate Bank of America Stadium. Those plans included the construction of an indoor practice facility in uptown, something that veteran Adam Thielen said is overdue.
Another low mark came in “team travel,” where the Panthers earned a “D” grade. The survey cites that fewer players feel they had a comfortable amount of personal space on team flights this year “because coaches moved into first class seats, leaving players with smaller seats.”
The organization earned top-10 distinctions in its treatment of families, its nutritionist and its training staff. According to the survey, 79% of the players reported that they get an individualized nutrition plan and that the team dietitian is “very accessible.” Kate Callaway is the director of performance of nutrition, and Tim Rabas is the performance nutrition assistant, according to the team website.
The survey also says the team frequently organizes family events and provides a daycare and a family room during home games, bumping up the family score.
As for the training staff: 89% of Panthers players report that they receive enough one-on-one treatment, and that the training staff moderately contributes to their overall success. The team hired former Bills associate athletic trainer Denny Kellington as the new vice president of player health and performance earlier this month. Kellington replaced former head athletic trainer Kevin King and former director of health, performance and innovation Andrew Althoff, who were let go during the offseason.
Panthers’ NFLPA grades in 2025
Treatment of families: B+, 7th
Food / dining area: B, 18th
Nutritionist / dietitian: A-, 8th
Locker room: C, 20th
Training room: B-, 18th
Training staff: B+, 7th
Weight room: C+, 27th
Strength coaches: A, 8th
Team travel: D, 29th
Head coach: A-, 17th
Ownership: D-, 31st