NFL ‍Teams: How Player Family Treatment Impacts Free Agency

⁢ Updated ‍Jun 23, 2025
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For Jessie Bates III, now a safety for the Atlanta⁣ Falcons, post-game⁤ family logistics have improved dramatically.After cincinnati Bengals home games, ⁤Bates⁣ had to leave the⁢ stadium⁢ to meet his⁢ family. Now, in Atlanta, he meets ⁢them in⁢ a suite at Mercedes-Benz ⁣Dome, offering food and ⁤connection.

“I think that’s‍ what separates us compared ⁣to a lot of other organizations,” Bates said, highlighting a subtle distinction⁣ that matters to NFL players.

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) report cards, ‍based on surveys of 1,695 players, grade teams on ⁤various factors, including “treatment of families.” The Falcons earned an A, while ‍the Bengals received an F-minus in this⁢ category.

Current Bengals players, who requested⁤ anonymity, cited a lack of game-day amenities for families. One player mentioned‍ an AFC team with an indoor cookout area postgame. Until recently,the Bengals provided an outdoor tent,described as a “s–t show,” especially ⁣in cold weather.

Another veteran highlighted the lack of dedicated⁣ bathrooms and concessions for families, causing stress ⁤and security concerns, especially for players with young children.

“Just different things where they can make it ‍more convenient for⁣ our families, especially when the⁣ husband’s not there,” the veteran said. “We’re worried about them. I think it‍ would be easier for us ⁣if we had certain things for families, we don’t ⁤have to worry about it.”

The Minnesota Vikings believe their attention ⁣to family treatment‍ has been key to attracting top free agents in 2024 and 2025.

Falcons offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom, an NFLPA player rep, noted the survey’s impact. Before ⁢its existence, players relied on informal networks to assess franchises.

“The survey has‍ had a major⁣ impact,” said Ryan kelly, a 2025 Vikings free ‍agent signing. “Because you’re a guy looking for a⁢ new home,you’ve got kids,you have a family. It’s like, ‘what’s the treatment like?’ ‍if you treat my family well, I’m going to be‍ happier as a person, I’m going to be happier as a player, I’m going to be in a better mood, and ‍we’ll ⁢probably have more success.”

Kelly, who spent nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, felt the ‍Vikings’ survey ⁢results were accurate after his family ⁤experienced the team’s welcoming environment.

“Being only there for a little over 24 hours [to sign his FA contract], we felt that as my entire family was there,” Kelly said. “It didn’t matter if it was my mom or my dad or my kids or a⁣ nanny, everybody felt the love‍ and that goes to show you it’s a special place.”

Vikings running ⁢back Aaron Jones ‍appreciates the team’s support staff handling family needs during the season. Staff members arrange tickets and⁤ accommodations,⁢ easing logistical burdens.

“It just makes it that much easier,” Jones said.‍ “Your⁤ family’s not, ‘Hey, I’m ⁢trying to find a place to stay. Where are you guys staying? What’s the closest hotel?’ It just takes all of that away.”

Jones added,”It is indeed no stress,just as I know they’re in⁣ good hands.”

Conversely, a Jacksonville Jaguars veteran, who requested anonymity, said the team’s F grade for family treatment reflects real issues. The player noted interaction challenges and logistical burdens ⁤placed on players.

“I want to make sure that my family is OK so I don’t have to worry about them. [Sometimes] these security guards ain’t⁣ letting ‍my damn⁢ wife in. I’ve got to ⁣worry about that or we’ve got to call [a team rep] to handle this. It shouldn’t ⁣ [happen]. Family ⁣should be already taken care ⁤of. They should ⁢be⁣ an ⁣extension of a player in certain areas.”

what’s ⁢next

As the NFLPA report cards gain traction, teams⁤ may increasingly focus on improving family treatment to attract and retain players, perhaps reshaping the landscape of free agency.