The NFL has won a grievance against the NFLPA, effectively banning the union from conducting and publishing player report cards that have been distributed since 2023. An arbitrator ruled that the report cards violated the collective bargaining agreement by disparaging NFL clubs and individuals, according to a memo obtained by ESPN.

Arbitrator findings revealed the union designed the report cards to advance its interests under the guise of scientific analysis. The NFLPA refused to produce data from previous surveys and admitted to cherry-picking topics and responses. The league argued the report cards violated the agreement's clause requiring both sides to curtail public criticism of clubs, coaches, and operations.

While players like Arizona Cardinals tackle Kelvin Beachum and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward supported the transparency the report cards provided, the NFL will now work with the union to design alternative surveys focused on medical care adequacy. The league maintains teams should solicit player feedback directly rather than through public report cards that the arbitrator found were written by union staffers rather than players themselves.