Why the Chiefs Still Rank Near the Bottom Despite ‘Major’ Facility Upgrades

Despite recent upgrades, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to rank near the bottom in the latest NFLPA team report card, finishing 26th out of 32 teams. However, there is more to the story than meets the eye, according to NFLPA Chief Strategy Officer JC Tretter. While the Chiefs’ ranking did not drastically improve, Tretter noted that their overall score showed significant progress from the previous year.

“We saw improvement,” Tretter said in an interview with The Star. “Their ranking didn’t make a giant jump, but their overall score did.”

Historically, the Chiefs have struggled in the annual NFLPA survey, ranking 29th, 31st, and 26th in the previous years. But Tretter explained that this year’s scores reflected a broader trend across the league, with all teams showing improvement as organizations invested in better facilities and player care. As a result, the Chiefs’ progress, though notable, did not lead to a dramatic jump in their position.

The Chiefs made strides in two key areas that stood out positively in this year’s report. After a lackluster performance in 2024, Kansas City made notable improvements in diet and family care. The Chiefs hired a full-time dietitian, Nicolette Mense, after receiving an F in the previous year’s evaluation. This year, their grade skyrocketed to an A-minus in 2025. Similarly, the team improved its treatment of families, a weak spot that had earned them a D-plus in 2024. Adding on-site daycare during games improved their score to a solid B-plus.

Another area of improvement was their training staff, which earned a C grade this year, a sharp contrast to the D-minus and F grades from the previous two seasons. Tretter praised these changes, highlighting that they reflected efforts to address “soft skills” within the organization that can be inexpensive but impactful.

However, despite these improvements, the Chiefs still faced significant issues, particularly in their locker room facilities. Players voiced dissatisfaction with the practice-field locker room, which ranked 28th out of 32 teams with a D-minus grade. While the team’s clubhouse at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has seen improvements, the practice facility remains outdated. A lack of space in the weight room, ranked 30th in the NFL, was another concern among players.

Perhaps the most glaring issue was the team hotel. Players rated the Chiefs’ hotel for home games as “below standard,” citing uncomfortable beds, dirty floors, and leftover trash from previous occupants. This led to the Chiefs receiving the lowest score in the NFL for their home-game accommodations. Tretter speculated that the Chiefs’ poor rating in this category could be influenced by the fact that other teams have begun allowing veteran players to stay at their homes before home games, offering more comfort than the Chiefs’ hotel arrangements.

Ownership also took a hit in this year’s survey. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt earned a C-minus grade, ranking 26th in perceived willingness to invest in facilities and 20th for contributing to a positive team culture. While Hunt’s commitment to building a competitive team ranked 17th, his overall score reflected a sense that ownership has room to improve in areas that matter most to players.

On a positive note, head coach Andy Reid continued to impress his players, earning an A-plus for the second consecutive year. His rank among coaches moved from first to fourth, maintaining his status as one of the most respected leaders in the NFL.

Tretter believes the Chiefs’ overall grade, despite the areas of weakness, shows a clear trend of progress. “Are they in the top 5? No,” he acknowledged. “But what I’m seeing looking at the numbers is there are sizable improvements in the areas that are easy to make improvements in.”

While the Chiefs’ facility and hotel issues remain significant, it’s clear that the franchise is making strides to address concerns and foster a better environment for its players. With continued attention to detail in these “soft skills,” the Chiefs could see their rank climb in the coming years.