One of our core jobs as a union is to improve the overall working conditions for our players, which includes the daily experience of players at the team facilities away from the lights and cameras.

1,300 of our players provided information to share with one another about their current club, to not only help them make important career decisions, but also help raise standards across the league.

Our goals were to highlight positive clubs, identify areas that could use improvement, and highlight best practices and standards. To learn more about the background of this initiative, read a note from President JC Tretter here: https://nflpa.com/posts/nfl-team-rep...by-the-players

Overview

The Kansas City Chiefs are ranked 29th overall in our team guide. In general, the results show that the facility feels outdated and players would like to see upgrades across the board. Only 56% of respondents believe that club owner Clark Hunt is willing to invest the money to upgrade the facility, ranking him 27th in this category.

Players’ responses showed that treatment of players also falls well below other clubs across the NFL. For example, the Chiefs are one of 6 teams that still make certain players have roommates, and less than 50% of players feel they have enough room to be comfortable on flights.

Feedback on the training room was also notable; player respondents called for a more welcoming environment, and several players had negative opinions about head trainer Rick Burkholder, feeling that he does not treat players fairly and consistently, or with personal care.

Breakdown of Key Categories

Treatment of Families:
B
Tied for 12th

Support of Players' Families: Ranked 16th

They offer a family room
They are one of 11 teams that do not offer daycare

Post-Game Gathering Area: Ranked 13th

Food Service / Nutrition
D+
TIED FOR 18th

Quality of food: Ranked 15th

All three meals provided

Only 50% of players say there is enough room in the cafeteria.

Weight Room
C+
TIED FOR 22nd

The weight room is seen as slightly below average compared to the other teams. Players would like it to be updated with more and newer equipment.

97% feel they have enough strength coaches

Strength Coaches
A-
TIED FOR 17th

When asked about “Strength Coaches adding to their success” they ranked 17th in the NFL. 17th sounds average but that is because most teams rated their strength coaches positively. The Chiefs players gave overall high marks to the strength staff which is why the overall grade is still high.

94% of players believe they receive an individual plan (17th)

Training Room
D+
TIED FOR 24th
Staffing

77% feel they have enough ATCs (4th worst in the league)
61% feel they have enough PTs (4th worst in the league)

Steam Room/Sauna

There is a steam room (91% feel it is big enough)
There is a sauna (91% feel it is big enough)

Tubs

78% of players feel they have enough hot tub space
81% of players feel they have enough cold tub space

Training Staff
D-
32nd
Rated the lowest among training staffs across the NFL.

Responses to the survey called for things like “a more welcoming environment.”

With the lowest rating and concerning qualitative responses, we learned that players’ key concerns are with head trainer Rick Burkholder (not the rest of the training staff, which is generally well liked).
Player respondents expressed beliefs/opinions that:
They feel discouraged from reporting their injuries
They do not feel they get the level of personal care that they should
They fear retribution for speaking up for better care

Locker Room
D-
TIED FOR 28th
73% of players feel like they have enough personal space.

The lockers are old and in desperate need of a renovation.
Many players complain that they want to have a chair at their locker instead of a stool so they can lean back when sitting.

Team Travel
F
TIED FOR 28th

59% of players feel like they have enough room to spread out
One of 6 teams that makes young players have roommates
Very few first-class seats