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The annual NFLPA report cards were released on Tuesday breaking down how each franchise ranks in off-the-field aspects. The Cincinnati Bengals received low grades in a number of different areas.
One particularly poor mark was seemingly confirmed by a family member of a current player. Jordan Battle’s brother, Jalen, reposted the team grades on X soon after they went public.
His critique specifically referenced the cafeteria in the Cincinnati facility. The Bengals received an ‘F’ in food and dining. Both taste and meal servings were noted in the players’ negative assessment.
The Cincinnati Bengals rate the taste of their team’s food 4.82 out of 10, a ranking of 32 out of 32. They rate the freshness of their food 5.49 out of 10, a ranking of 32 out of 32…
The Bengals players wish that more meals would be provided throughout the week. The team does not provide three meals a day and is one of only two teams in the league that do not do so.
Players don’t believe they’re being fed enough, and when they are served, the product is underwhelming. Jalen Battle agreed, though he’s not a team member.
He is, however, the older brother of Jordan Battle, who joined the roster in 2023. Jalen likely has some intel on the meals being prepared in the facility. His thoughts on the food were far from complimentary.
The food is legit 1/10, no lie https://t.co/wAyoETvriv
— Jalen Battle (@Biz__9) February 26, 2025
Food wasn’t the only area in which the Bengals fell short, though. Family treatment received an even lower grade.
The only thing lower than an ‘F’ is an ‘F-‘ which the franchise earned for a few different reasons. One aspect of the low rating involved a lack of professional childcare on gamedays. The team is one of just three in the NFL not to offer daycare.
Not having a family room also played a part in the grade, as did management’s failure to organize family events.
There is little to no effort put forth when it comes to the organization’s efforts to support their families. One player described the treatment of families as “almost disrespectful.”
That treatment could influence players’ decisions about spending their futures in Cincinnati. There’s one star wideout the team is currently pursuing this offseason. Could this play a part?
That update wasn’t exactly positive. It was previously reported that the team was “optimistic” in having the pass catcher return to the roster. He’s currently set to become a free agent. The Bengals are hoping to get him a new deal.
An executive seemed to believe talks were going well. Higgins shot that down with a single emoji.
— Tee Higgins⁵ (@teehiggins5) February 26, 2025
Now, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t mean a deal can’t get done. Still, it seems the two sides have a way to go before reaching an agreement.
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