Dallas Cowboys Report Card 2023

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Overview

The Dallas Cowboys are ranked 5^th best in the team guide. As you would expect for a team that is ranked this high, most of what was reviewed – facilities, equipment, staff and general support of players – was top notch.

There were only two issues that stood out that players feel could use improvement: first, the players feel like the training room is understaffed. The Cowboys trainers grade highly, but the players wish there were more training staff. Second, they are one of seven teams in the NFL that does not offer players first-class seats for travel. Instead, coaches and staff sit up front, and players sit in coach seats both before and after they play.

Another positive note, Mike McCarthy sets aside time every week for his players to recover, which is greatly appreciated, making him one of the most well-liked coaches in the league.

96% of the team believes that Jerry Jones is willing to invest to make the facilities better, ranking him at 12^th overall. With an investment into more staff in the training room and better travel accommodations, the Cowboys could climb even higher next year.

Breakdown of Key Categories

Support of Players' Families: Ranked 1st

• They offer a family room and daycare

Post-Game Gathering Area: Ranked 4th

Quality of food: Ranked 4th

• All three meals provided

100% of players say there is enough room in the cafeteria.

The players feel they have one of the best weight rooms in the NFL.

• 100% of players feel they have enough strength coaches

The players feel that the strength coaches go above and beyond to support them and add to their success.

• 96% of players believe they receive an individual plan (Tied for 12th)

Staffing

• 87% feel they have enough ATCs
• 75% feel they have enough PTs
  • Multiple players feel that it is understaffed

Steam Room/Sauna

• There is a steam room (100% feel it is big enough)
• One of only 6 teams across the league to not provide a sauna

Tubs

• 100% of players feel they have enough hot tub space
• 98% of players feel they have enough cold tub space

When asked about the “training staff adding to their success,” the Cowboys tied for 15th in the NFL. Tied for 15th sounds average, but that is because most teams rated their training staff positively. The Cowboys players gave overall high marks to the training staff, which is why the overall grade is still high.

There are no complaints about the quality of the locker room.

• 100% of players feel like they have enough space

• 78% of players feel like they have enough room to spread out
• No roommates
• One of 7 teams that does not offer first-class seats to their players

During the last two years, the Board of Representatives has discussed ways to improve the information available to free agents making decisions about their prospective Clubs and decided to pursue the development of “Club Report Cards” that, while not a scientific survey, would report the quantitative and qualitative opinions of NFL players about their respective Clubs.

In connection with that goal, questions were sent to every player on the 2022 team rosters asking them their opinions about their Club’s facilities, certain Club personnel/coaches, and other work-related categories, such as Club’s treatment of families and team travel (players were not asked questions about any Club other than their 2022 employer). As a result of the confidential questionnaire, 1,300 players responded. There then was a qualitative follow up by the union, which resulted in the following “report card.”

The questions called for both quantitative and qualitative answers; for example: “Grade your weight room with 1 reflecting best rating, 5 reflecting lowest rating” and “What would you change about your weight room?” The numerical ratings for each sub-category of questions were tallied and averaged. The questionnaire also sought to elicit the opinion of players on some issues that have a direct impact on the quality of life for NFL players. These qualitative responses, which are inherently subjective, were reviewed and evaluated by the union and then factored into providing an overall rating that was intended to reflect player opinions.

Based upon all of this information, the rankings from Club to Club were determined by comparing how each Club graded in each category.

Finally, the Club Report Card includes an overview, which is a summary of the players’ responses and opinions about the Club workplace and specifically about how players perceived Clubs’ commitment to workplace issues.