BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bills ranked high in the quality of their weight room in the annual NFLPA player survey, while once again struggling in team travel.
The annual report was released on Wednesday. The Bills ranked 23rd overall out of the NFL’s 32 teams, a significant drop from 11th overall a year ago.
The Bills highest rank came in the weight room, which earned an A grade from players and 7th out of 32. The lowest ranking came in team travel, which got an F- grade and last among all teams.
“Last year the players were frustrated that they are made to sit in the smaller seats during travel while the coaches and auxiliary staff sit in first class. The players’ dissatisfaction with this issue has grown,” the survey states. “Players do not have a comfortable amount of space when traveling.” It says that over 60% of the players on the team said they don’t feel they have enough space when on the team plane.
Head coach Sean McDermott and owner Terry Pegula each earned a B grade. See a full table of grades compared to previous years below:
| Category | 2025 | 2025 rank | 2024 | 2024 rank | 2023 | 2023 rank |
| Treatment of families | B+ | 9th | B | 6th | A- | 4th |
| Food/dining area | B- | 20th | C | 23rd | C | 15th |
| Nutritionist/dietician | B- | 27th | D+ | 29th | C | 15th |
| Locker room | B | 16th | B+ | 8th | A- | T-8th |
| Training room | B- | 20th | B+ | 8th | B+ | T-5th |
| Training staff | C | 27th | B | 19th | A | T-9th |
| Weight room | A | 7th | A+ | 2nd | A+ | T-1st |
| Strength coaches | B+ | 23rd | A | 3rd | A+ | T-1st |
| Team travel | F- | 32nd | D | 25th | D+ | T-25th |
| Head coach | B | 27th | A | 12th | N/A | N/A |
| Ownership | B | 17th | A- | 8th | N/A | N/A |
| Overall rank | 23rd |
Other highlights
Treatment of families takes step up: Last year the mention of not having sideline passes for families was on the survey, and there is no mention of that this year. They rank fourth in the league in family events, with players believing that the team organizes them frequently.
Suggestions for improvement for training staff: The training staff took a step back this year, ranking 27th in the league. The players do feel like the training staff contributes to team success, but has concerns with a lack of staff. “The other issue the players asked to be fixed last year was an increase in the number of trainers/physical therapists in the team’s training room. In this year’s survey, even more players express that the current staffing is inadequate to help them recover.” However, strength coaches received a B+ grade.
McDermott, Pegula take slight dips but still earn B grade: 88% of players believe that McDermott is efficient with their time, ranking 24th in the league and believe he is “moderately receptive to locker room feedback on team needs.” Meanwhile, players believe that the ownership is committed to building a competitive team, while feeling that the ownership “moderately contributes to a positive team culture.” They perceive that he is willing to invest in team facilities.
Elsewhere in the AFC East: The Miami Dolphins earned straight A’s and the top spot in the report for the second straight season. Owner Stephen Ross was the highest-graded owner in the league. Coach Mike McDaniel also received high praise. The New York Jets ranked 29th in the league with owner Woody Johnson grading as the worst owner in the league. The New England Patriots finished 31st out of 32, ranking last in the weight room category.
To explore the full report card, click here. You can also view previous report cards from 2024 and 2023.
Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.