Dolphins Ranked Best NFL Team to Play For in NFLPA Report

Miami tops list for third consecutive year in anonymous player survey.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 8:22pm

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The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has once again ranked the Miami Dolphins as the best overall franchise to play for in the NFL, according to leaked results of the union's annual anonymous player survey. The Dolphins have now topped the NFLPA's rankings for three years in a row, with players highlighting factors like nutrition, training facilities, and family support.

Why it matters

The NFLPA report cards provide valuable insight into how players view the working conditions and overall experience of playing for each NFL team. As one of the league's marquee franchises, the Dolphins' consistent top ranking underscores their commitment to player development and welfare, which can be a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent.

The details

While the NFL recently won a legal battle to block the full publication of the NFLPA report cards, ESPN obtained the official results showing the Dolphins ranked first overall. The survey covers 11 categories, including nutrition, training room, and family support, with the Dolphins earning high marks across the board. One publicly released grade showed the Dolphins ranking 4th in the quality of their home field at Hard Rock Stadium, with players praising the natural grass surface.

  • The NFLPA conducts this anonymous player survey annually.

The players

Mike McDaniel

Former Miami Dolphins head coach, whose grade dropped from an A+ in 2025 to a B in 2026 due to issues with scheduling, communication, and leadership.

Jeff Hafley

New Miami Dolphins head coach, tasked with rebuilding the organization from top to bottom.

Stephen Ross

Owner of the Miami Dolphins, one of only three NFL owners to receive an A+ grade from players.

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What’s next

The Dolphins will look to continue their streak of being ranked the best NFL team to play for in the NFLPA's annual survey, though the full results may be harder to come by publicly due to the league's recent legal victory.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' consistent top ranking in the NFLPA's player survey underscores the franchise's commitment to player development and welfare, which can be a key advantage in attracting and retaining top talent in the NFL.