This year’s NFLPA report card, which gauges overall working conditions for players through a player poll, places the Baltimore Ravens in 13th place.
Each year, the NFL Players Association releases its eagerly awaited Report Card, a comprehensive ranking of all 32 NFL franchises based on player feedback regarding workplace conditions. The 2025 edition is no exception—offering an unfiltered glimpse into how players view the inner workings of their organizations, from training facilities to team travel policies to relationships with team ownership.
Among the most notable findings from this year’s survey: the Baltimore Ravens have landed in 13th place, a respectable spot in the top half of the league but a position that raises interesting questions given the team’s storied history, committed ownership, and recent investment in infrastructure.
So what does 13th place really mean for the Ravens, and what can we glean about the state of the franchise from this year’s results?
The NFLPA began issuing these report cards in 2023 with the intention of giving players a voice, helping free agents make more informed decisions, and pushing franchises to improve off-the-field conditions. Players complete a confidential survey grading their team in key categories, including:
- Treatment of families
- Nutrition and cafeteria
- Weight room
- Strength staff
- Training room
- Training staff
- Locker room
- Team travel
- Head coach
- Ownership/Management
Each team receives grades (A+ through F) in each category, with an overall composite ranking.
For 2025, more than 1,800 players participated in the anonymous survey—making it one of the most comprehensive datasets ever assembled regarding the working environments NFL players experience.
The Ravens came in at 13th overall, up from 17th last year. This modest four-spot climb reflects ongoing improvement efforts by team leadership but also points to room for continued growth.
Baltimore’s grades were a mix of solid marks and a few areas of concern:
- A- for the strength staff
- B+ for the locker room
- B for team travel
- C+ for nutrition and cafeteria
- C for treatment of families
- B for the training room and staff
- A for head coach John Harbaugh
- B- for ownership
While not elite across the board, the Ravens scored particularly well in areas tied to coaching and support staff, while faltering in more “human-centered” categories like family accommodations and nutrition—two factors increasingly important to today’s players.
The Ravens’ A- grade for their strength staff stands out. Baltimore has long been known for producing physically dominant teams, and this year’s player feedback reinforced that perception.
Players praised the strength staff’s communication, custom programming, and injury prevention strategies. Several respondents noted that their off-season recovery plans were among the best they’d encountered in their careers. That speaks to not only the skill level of the coaches but also the collaborative culture that’s been fostered between players and performance personnel.
One anonymous player wrote, “The strength staff here gets it. They listen, adjust, and treat you like a pro. They help extend careers.”
In an era where injury prevention is paramount and players are investing more in their own health than ever before, that kind of institutional support matters.
Head coach John Harbaugh earned an A, continuing a tradition of strong relationships between players and the coaching staff. This is not surprising given Harbaugh’s reputation as one of the most player-friendly and adaptable coaches in the NFL.
Players noted his consistency, communication, and leadership style as reasons why they felt respected and empowered.
“He’s a real one,” one player said. “You always know where you stand with Harbs. That’s rare in this league.”
As some franchises continue to struggle with instability at head coach, Baltimore’s consistency in leadership offers a competitive advantage—both in team culture and in player recruitment.
Where the Ravens’ Report Card took a hit was in the categories of treatment of families (C) and nutrition/cafeteria (C+). These marks suggest that while the team excels in core football operations, it lags behind when it comes to modern, holistic player support.
Several players mentioned a lack of designated family rooms on game day and poor communication from the organization when it comes to family logistics, particularly for young players with children.
On the nutrition front, feedback included complaints about meal variety, access to healthy options, and food quality. While Baltimore has made investments in this area in recent years—including a renovated cafeteria—players indicated the upgrades haven’t yet matched what elite franchises are offering.
“These days, players expect more than just pasta and chicken,” one veteran said. “You look at what teams like the Vikings or Dolphins are doing with their meal plans, it’s next-level.”
The Ravens scored a B+ on locker room conditions, with players noting that the space is clean, functional, and well-maintained—but not especially luxurious. One player described it as “blue collar, not flashy,” which aligns with Baltimore’s gritty team identity.
There were also mixed reviews of the team’s training room (B) and training staff (B). Some players praised the accessibility of treatment and rehab services, while others wished for upgraded recovery equipment like cryotherapy chambers or advanced soft tissue modalities.
Notably, the franchise is currently in year two of a phased renovation of its Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Maryland. Those upgrades—expected to be completed before the 2026 season—could vault Baltimore further up next year’s rankings.
The B- grade for ownership puts Baltimore slightly below the league average in that category. Owner Steve Bisciotti remains one of the league’s more respected figures, but players indicated that he’s less involved than others when it comes to day-to-day team culture or player support.
Some also pointed to other franchises where ownership has taken a more public and proactive role in improving facilities or engaging with player families.
Still, there were no major red flags. As one player put it: “He’s not Jerry Jones or Arthur Blank, but he’s solid. You don’t have to worry about crazy decisions coming from the top.”
Baltimore’s 13th-place finish puts them ahead of both the Pittsburgh Steelers (20th) and the Cleveland Browns (25th), but behind the Cincinnati Bengals, who surged to 7th place this year thanks to massive investment in team facilities and a revamped training program.
The Ravens’ relatively strong position in the division suggests a competitive edge when it comes to retaining talent and attracting free agents, though the Bengals’ rise will put pressure on Baltimore to continue modernizing.
One of the primary goals of the NFLPA’s report card is to help players make better-informed decisions during free agency. In a highly competitive market, workplace conditions can become a tie-breaker, especially for veteran players with families.
Baltimore’s standing in the top half of the league gives it some leverage. The strong grades for coaching, strength staff, and facilities offer an attractive pitch—especially to players seeking a stable, professional environment.
However, if the Ravens want to become a destination franchise on par with the likes of the Minnesota Vikings (No. 1 overall) or Miami Dolphins (No. 2), they’ll need to go further—particularly in family treatment and holistic wellness support.
In a league where the margin between good and great is razor thin, how players feel about their workplace environment is becoming more relevant every season. From long-term career sustainability to mental health, the NFLPA report card isn’t just about perks—it’s about respect, professionalism, and long-term organizational excellence.
Baltimore’s 13th-place finish suggests a team that does many things well but isn’t resting on its laurels. The franchise has built a strong foundation and is generally trusted by players, but if the goal is to compete not just on the field but in every aspect of the player experience, then targeted improvements are needed.
The Ravens’ front office is likely already dissecting the report card and comparing it to internal assessments. Team President Sashi Brown has emphasized a “player-first” culture since taking over, and this year’s results offer both validation and a to-do list.
Given Baltimore’s ambitious organizational culture and track record of responding to player needs, it’s not far-fetched to believe the Ravens could crack the top 10 next year—especially once the Under Armour Performance Center upgrades are complete.
From top-tier coaching to a respected strength program to locker room continuity, the Ravens have much to be proud of. Now it’s about rounding out the player experience and ensuring that what happens off the field is just as elite as what happens on it.
