INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts achieved a degree of upward mobility in terms of their overall working conditions, according to a survey compiled and released by the NFLPA.
Nearly 1,700 players on 2024 rosters participated in the latest poll by the Players Association designed to improve the working environment for the 32 teams.
The survey addressed 11 categories, ranging from the treatment of families, food, travel, locker rooms, weight rooms and ownership.
The Colts rank No, 19 in the survey, up from No. 22 last year.
Their individual rankings ranged from 11th with the head coach (Shane Steichen received an A from his players) to 13th with the training room (B), 14th with locker room (B) and strength coaches, 16th with the treatment of families (B-) and 27th in travel (D+). Owner Jim Irsay earned a B from his players and ranks 20th among his peers.
Impacting the Colts’ overall improvement was providing daycare and a family room on game day. The team had a D and ranked No. 23 in family treatment in the 2024 poll.
The strength coaches received an A- and players pointed to the team naming Mike Minnis as director of sports performance last year. He held a similar position with the Philadelphia Eagles.
A quick look at the individual categories, including a summation from players:
Treatment of Families
*Grade: B-.
*Rank: 16th.
*Comment: The Colts introduced game-day daycare for players’ children. As a result, their rating improved from a D last year to a B-, reflecting a positive shift in players’ assessments of their employer.
Food/Dining area
*Grade: C.
*Rank: 25th.
*Comment: Players rate the taste of their food 6.77 out of 10, 25th in the league, and the freshness 7.22 out of 10, 27th. They rate the dining area 7.94 out of 10, 23rd.
Nutritionist/Dietician
*Grade: B+.
*Rank: 18th.
*Comment: Players (85%) are pleased with the individualized nutrition and were complimentary of the team dietician.
Locker Room
*Grade: B.
*Rank: 14th.
*Comment: 92% of players feel they have enough room in their individual lockers and 94% feel their locker room size is adequate.
Training Room
*Grade: B.
*Rank: 13th.
*Comment: 86% of players believe they have enough full-time trainers while 78% believe there are enough full-time therapists; 97% feel they have enough hot tub space and 99% believe they have enough cold tub space.
Training Staff
*Grade: B.
*Rank: 15th.
*Comment: Overall, players believe they receive enough one-on-one treatment (85%) and that it moderately contributes to their success.
Weight Room
*Grade: B-.
*Rank: 23rd.
*Comment: The players consider the equipment to be good quality but believe they don’t have enough space in the weight room.
Strength Coaches
*Grade: A-.
*Rank: 14th.
*Comment: 95% of players reported they received an individualized training plan.
Team Travel
*Grade: D+.
*Rank: 27th.
*Comment: Players don’t feel they have enough personal space on flights. They want more access to first-class seating. Only 59% believe they have a comfortable amount of personal space on team flights.
Head Coach
*Grade: A.
*Rank: 11th.
*Comment: Players (95%) believe Shane Steichen is efficient with their time and highly receptive to feedback from players.
Ownership
*Grade: B.
*Rank: 20th.
*Comment: Jim Irsay received an 8.25 out of 10 from players for his willingness to invest in the facilities. They feel he moderately contributes to a positive culture and is committed to building a competitive team.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.