Green Bay Slips to 7th in Player Report Card—What’s Holding Them Back?

The Green Bay Packers have slipped to seventh place in the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA) annual team rankings, marking a four-place drop from last year’s position at third. Despite improvements or consistency in nine of 11 categories, the Packers found themselves overtaken by teams with newly revamped facilities, such as the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers. These upgrades were enough to push Green Bay lower in the standings, reflecting the growing importance of modern facilities in the league.

The NFLPA’s survey, which included feedback from 1,695 players (a 77% response rate), evaluates teams on various aspects of player experience, from locker rooms and food services to ownership commitment and family treatment. Miami Dolphins earned the top spot for the second consecutive year, while the Minnesota Vikings, last year’s number one, took second place.

High Marks for Culture, But Room for Improvement

The Packers earned high marks for team culture, with players praising head coach Matt LaFleur and President and CEO Mark Murphy. Their leadership has been deemed key in creating an environment where players feel valued and supported, especially Murphy, who is ranked seventh among NFL owners for his commitment to building a competitive team.

Yet, despite these strong ratings, there are areas where the Packers still need to improve. The most common concern from players is the locker room, which, while functional, is in need of a renovation. In response to this feedback, the team is already taking action, as locker room upgrades are currently underway. Furthermore, the team made improvements last year, such as updating the players’ meeting room and adding an underground parking facility, signaling their ongoing commitment to enhancing the player experience.

Family Treatment Remains a Work in Progress

One of the more notable weaknesses identified in the survey is the Packers’ treatment of players’ families, which earned a B grade. While the team has made strides by offering a family room and organizing family events, they remain one of only three teams that do not offer game day childcare, a factor that places them behind in this category. Their family-related grade improved slightly from a C+ in 2024, but still reflects an area where other teams, particularly those investing in family amenities, have surged ahead.

Locker Room, Training Staff, and Ownership

The Packers received B grades across multiple categories, including locker room, training staff, and strength coaches. Although these grades are solid, they are the lowest in any category for the team, suggesting that there is potential for further investment in these essential areas.

Interestingly, LaFleur, while efficient with player time, ranked 18th out of 32 coaches for time management and 23rd for receptiveness to locker room feedback. This is a stark contrast to the high regard players have for his leadership, but it highlights a need for more communication and responsiveness in certain areas.

The Rise of Competitors

Green Bay’s slip in the rankings underscores the increasing competition in the NFL, with teams like the Falcons and Chargers making significant strides through the introduction of state-of-the-art training facilities. The Packers’ ranking has fallen from 6th in 2023 to 3rd in 2024 and now 7th in 2025, illustrating how the league’s focus on facilities and player treatment is shifting the landscape.

In Conclusion

While the Packers remain one of the more competitive and well-managed teams in the NFL, there is work to be done in terms of player facilities and family support. The ongoing renovations to the locker room and commitment to improving player spaces show the team’s intent to improve, but if they want to remain a top contender in these rankings, they’ll need to continue to adapt and upgrade their resources, especially in comparison to teams with newly renovated or state-of-the-art facilities.