Carolina Panthers Get Low Grades for Stadium and Travel in 2026 NFLPA Report

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) has released its annual report cards for all 32 teams, with the Carolina Panthers receiving a range of scores across various categories. While some aspects of the team's operations earned praise from players, others, particularly related to the stadium and facilities, drew significant criticism. These findings provide a window into the player experience within the organization.

Overview of the 2026 NFLPA Report Cards

The NFLPA's report cards are compiled from surveys distributed to players, aiming to gather their feedback on how their respective teams are run. The survey covers a broad spectrum of team operations, from the quality of facilities and travel arrangements to the effectiveness of coaching and the overall treatment by ownership. Each category is graded on a scale from A-plus to F-minus, offering a transparent assessment of each franchise from the players' perspective.

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The NFLPA report cards survey players on team operations and are graded from A+ to F-.

Carolina Panthers' Performance Breakdown

The Carolina Panthers' report card reveals a disparity in player satisfaction across different areas:

• Ownership and General Management: The Panthers' ownership received a B-minus, while the General Manager earned an A. This suggests that while the top leadership might be performing well in certain areas, the overall ownership group's impact on player experience is viewed less favorably.

• Coaching Staff: Position coaches were graded A-minus, and the Offensive Coordinator received an A-minus. The Defensive Coordinator received a B, and the Special Teams Coordinator earned an A-minus. These grades indicate a high level of player confidence in the coaching staff's abilities and effectiveness.

• Facilities and Travel: The home game field received a concerning F. The locker room was graded D-plus, and team travel received a D. These are critical areas that directly impact player comfort and preparation.

• Player Support Services: The treatment of families received a B, and the training room and training staff received B and A-minus respectively. The nutritionist/dietician received an A-minus, and the weight room and strength coaches received B and A-minus. These grades suggest adequate support in these crucial areas.

Comparisons Across the League

The Panthers' grades place them in the middle tier of the league. For instance, the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens received A-plus grades for their ownership, while the Cincinnati Bengals received a D-plus for their ownership. The New York Jets, in contrast, received a B for their ownership grade, though their owner, Woody Johnson, had previously expressed a desire for the report cards not to be made public, particularly after receiving a lower grade in a prior year. The Kansas City Chiefs received a C-plus for ownership, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers received a D.

The table above compares key categories for the Carolina Panthers against a selection of other NFL teams.

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Implications of Player Feedback

The disparities in the Panthers' report card highlight areas where improvements are most needed. The low grades for the home game field and team travel could directly affect player morale and performance. While the coaching staff and player support services appear to be areas of strength, the concerns raised about facilities suggest a potential disconnect between the organization's priorities and the players' immediate needs.

Low grades for the home game field and team travel indicate significant areas for improvement for the Panthers.

Expert Analysis

"These report cards are a crucial barometer for player sentiment. Teams that consistently receive poor marks in areas like facilities and travel often face challenges with player retention and overall satisfaction. Conversely, teams that excel in these categories tend to foster a more positive and productive environment." - A league source familiar with player surveys.

Conclusion

The Carolina Panthers' performance in the 2026 NFLPA report cards indicates a team with both strengths and significant weaknesses from a player's perspective. The high marks for coaching and player support services are commendable. However, the critically low grades for the home game field, locker room, and team travel represent urgent issues that the organization must address. The B-minus for ownership suggests that while progress may be occurring, it has not yet translated into universal player satisfaction across all facets of the team's operation. Further investigation into the specific issues contributing to the poor facility grades and travel experiences is warranted to understand the full scope of player concerns.

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• ESPN: Article 1 provides the raw data for all 32 teams' NFLPA report card grades. (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/47987931/nfl-2026-report-cards-nflpa-32-teams)

• ClutchPoints: Article 2 offers context on the NFLPA report cards, mentioning specific grades for other teams and a prior year's report concerning the New York Jets' ownership. (https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-york-jets/jets-news-ny-ownership-nflpa-report-card-grade-leaked-woody-johnson-wanted-gone)