The New England Patriots had their worst season in 30 years in 2023, finishing 4-13 and parting ways with future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick. As difficult as it is to believe, could things have been worse off the field? The NFL Players Association released its second annual Team Report Cards on Wednesday, and the anonymous survey of players was embarrassing for the Patriots.
Final score: New England’s “workplace environment” was placed 29th out of 32 NFL teams. The lowlights included a 27th-ranked head coach and owner, the organization’s lack of a family room or day care, and a weight room so out of date that players claim they can find better facilities elsewhere.

Most telling was how poorly Patriots players rated Belichick and owner Robert Kraft. Belichick scored a B-, ranking him 27th. Kraft was likewise placed 27th, but only with a D+, which sheds light on how players, in general, see the league’s present ownership structure.
“The results indicate that club management has not kept up with changing times; like with most categories, player reactions emphasize obsolete facilities and stale services. The players believe the facility has needed considerable improvements for some time, which explains why club owner Robert Kraft received a low rating on the subject of players’ faith that he will invest in their facilities.

Interestingly, the players’ complaints about “outdated facilities” and “stale services” came following last year’s $250 million facelift to Gillette Stadium. From August to November 2023, the union surveyed 1,706 members, with an average participation rate of 53 players per club. They were asked to rate their teams on a scale of 1 to 5 in categories such as facilities, staff, and amenities.