NFLPA's 2024 report card proves Steelers are stuck in the past

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most decorated franchises in NFL history, but the same can't be said about their 2024 report card handed out by the National Football League Players Association on Wednesday.

The Steelers' report card ranked 28th among the NFL with the lowest marks surrounding their workplace standards.

Pittsburgh received an "F-" grade for its treatment of families, "F" grades in ownership and locker room and a "D+" grade for its training room.

According to the report, the Steelers are "one of only four teams that do not provide their players' families with either a family room or daycare on game day" and they are "one of seven teams whose players feel their weight room is no better than where they could train offsite."

The team's facilities don't entice its players to stick around in the offseason, which as a result won't help the development of its young players.

Pittsburgh prides itself on its league-leading six Super Bowl championships (tied with the New England Patriots), but the team hasn't even been to a Super Bowl since the 2010 season. That's when its players seem to think the facilities were last updated.

The Steelers need a change of perspective, and it must start with owner Art Rooney II, who ranks as the second-worst owner in the league in terms of his willingness to invest in his team. 

Nobody is telling him to give up the reins, but it's time to modernize his team to avoid being left behind by the rest of the NFL.

As for Pittsburgh's highest marks, it is unsurprisingly highlighted by head coach Mike Tomlin, who received an "A" grade. The team's strength coaches (B+) and food/cafeteria (B-) follow close behind as the top three grades.

Luckily, the Steelers still have Tomlin, who many wanted them to part ways with this offseason. Without him, they may just fall to being the worst-ranked team in the league.