Looking back at NFLPA report cards -- team travel edition: Who pays for the best planes, hotels?
ESPN spoke with several players and team executives about team travel and the feedback that serves as the basis for the latest NFLPA survey grades.
The NFLPA's report cards on team travel are always a hot topic, and for good reason - players put their bodies on the line every week, and the least they deserve is a decent travel experience to and from games. The survey grades are based on feedback from players themselves, giving us a raw look at which teams are prioritizing player comfort and which are lagging behind. It's not just about pampering players, either - better travel conditions can actually impact performance on the field.
From what we can gather, some teams are clearly pulling out all the stops, shelling out for business and first-class flights, high-end hotels, and other perks that make travel more enjoyable. Others, not so much. The disparity is interesting, especially when you consider that every team is trying to gain a competitive edge. If you're a player on a team that's skimping on travel, it can't feel great to be treated like a commodity rather than a valuable asset.
So what to watch next? Keep an eye on how teams respond to these grades - will the teams that scored poorly make changes to upgrade their travel experience? And how will the NFLPA use this data to push for better working conditions across the league? As the season heats up, we'll be keeping a close eye on this story and seeing how it impacts the game on and off the field.
Originally reported by espn.com. PlayerNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.