Detroit Lions Report Card 2023

Select from the menu in the top left to see a breakdown of this team's grade by topic.

To see all team's ratings, click here.

Overview

The Detroit Lions were ranked 15^th overall in the team guide. Most categories reviewed came back with generally positive reviews.

The two issues that were highlighted as areas for improvement were first, a feeling that the training room was understaffed, and second, that the food service was significantly lacking.

88% of respondents to our survey believe that the club ownership is willing to invest money to upgrade their facilities, ranking 21^st in the league.

Breakdown of Key Categories

Support of Players' Families: Ranked 14th

• They offer a family room and daycare, but with limited space

Post-Game Gathering Area: Tied for 17th

Quality of food: Ranked 28th

• Players feel that there are not a lot of food options available
• All three meals provided

Only 59% of players say there is enough room for everyone in the cafeteria.

Generally positive reviews, but players feel like they could use a little more space.

• 98% feel they have enough strength coaches

The players believe that the strength coaches significantly add to their individual success. Most teams rated their strength staffs positively, which is why the Lions are tied for 17th but still receive a high grade overall.

• 83% of players believe they receive an individual plan (Tied for 27th)

Staffing

• 80% feel they have enough ATCs (6^th worst in the league)
• 64% feel they have enough PTs (6^th worst in the league)

Steam Room/Sauna

• There is a sauna (92% feel it is big enough)
• One of only 4 teams in the NFL that does not provide a steam room

Tubs

• 78% of players feel they have enough hot tub space
• 80% of players feel they have enough cold tub space

The players believe that the training staff moderately adds to their individual success. Most teams rated their training staffs positively, which is why the Lions are tied for 22nd but still receive a respectable grade.

Overall, the locker room was rated as slightly above average compared to all the other teams. Not much to complain about, but nothing to brag about either.

• 93% of players feel like they have enough space (13th)
  

• 95% of players feel like they have enough room to spread out
• No players are forced to have roommates
• A lot of first-class seats made available to 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.