Steelers Finish Last in NFLPA Survey, Raising Concerns About Ownership

The team received failing grades in several key areas, leading to criticism of team president Art Rooney II.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:55am

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The Pittsburgh Steelers finished last among all NFL teams in the latest NFLPA annual report card, receiving failing grades in areas like "treatment of families," "home game field," "locker rooms," and "team travel." The team's strength coaches also received a bottom-ranked B- grade. This has led to increased criticism of team president Art Rooney II, with some fans and media members believing he is responsible for the team's decline in recent years.

Why it matters

The Steelers have long been one of the NFL's model franchises, with a reputation for excellence and a passionate fan base. However, the poor NFLPA survey results suggest the team has fallen behind in providing adequate facilities and support for its players, which could impact the team's ability to attract and retain top talent. This raises questions about Rooney's leadership and the direction of the organization.

The details

The NFLPA survey covered 18 different categories, and the Steelers received failing grades in several key areas, including "treatment of families," "home game field," "locker rooms," and "team travel." The team's strength coaches also received a B- grade, which tied for last in the league. This comes after years of on-field struggles, with the Steelers losing seven consecutive playoff games and experiencing issues with player development and the quarterback position.

  • The NFLPA survey results were leaked on February 28, 2026.
  • The Steelers' head coach and special teams coordinator from the previous season are no longer on staff.

The players

Art Rooney II

The president and owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has faced increasing criticism from fans for the team's decline in recent years.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who stepped down from his position.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired to replace Mike Tomlin.

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What they’re saying

“The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't just finish last in the NFLPA survey. They got embarrassed.”

— Damon Amendolara, Host, Mad Dog Radio

“I think fans have turned on Art [Rooney II]. I don't think Art is popular with the fans at all.”

— Chris Mueller, Host, 93.7 The Fan

“The standard in Pittsburgh used to be excellence, Super Bowl victories. They have six of them. This is an elite sports city, and it deserves better.”

— Damon Amendolara, Host, Mad Dog Radio

What’s next

The Steelers have announced they will be addressing the team's playing surface, but it remains to be seen if Rooney will take similar swift action to address the other issues identified in the NFLPA survey.

The takeaway

The poor NFLPA survey results have further eroded the Steelers' once-sterling reputation, with fans and media increasingly critical of team president Art Rooney II's leadership. If the team's on-field performance and off-field issues continue, Rooney could become the primary target of the city's frustration, surpassing even the most disliked owners of the city's other professional sports franchises.