The NFL tried to keep the grades quiet. The players didn’t.
And when the Chicago Bears’ report card leaked, it told a story far bigger than just wins and losses.
Bears’ NFLPA Report Card Leaks — Ben Johnson Era Already Making Major Impact
The NFLPA may no longer be allowed to publicly release its annual team report cards, but in 2026, secrecy didn’t stand a chance.
Thanks to ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler obtaining the grades for all 32 teams, the Chicago Bears’ internal evaluation is now out — and it paints a fascinating picture of a franchise in transition.
The verdict? Progress. But not perfection.
Chicago finished 13th overall, one spot higher than last season. That might not scream dominance — but the details reveal a dramatic shift in key areas, especially where it matters most.
And it starts with one name: Ben Johnson.
After leading the Bears to an 11–6 record and an NFC North division title, Johnson earned an A grade as head coach — a massive leap from last year’s combined C given to Matt Eberflus and Thomas Brown. The locker room has clearly bought in.
In fact, the coaching staff largely received strong marks:
- Head coach: A
- General manager: A-
- Team ownership (George McCaskey): A-
- Offensive coordinator (Declan Doyle): A-
- Strength coaches: A-
Doyle’s grade stands out. At just 29 years old during the season, he made such an impression that he’s already moved on to become the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator. That A- says players respected his leadership and system.
But not everything was glowing.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen received a C+, despite his unit generating takeaways at a high rate. Special teams and position coaches landed in the B- range. And while the Bears’ facilities are solid, they’re not elite.
Some of the more telling grades came off the field:
- Treatment of families: C+ (second straight year)
- Home game field: C
- Team travel: B-
- Food/dining area: B (improved from C+ last year)
- Nutritionist/dietician: A
- Weight room: A
- Locker room: B+
Players clearly appreciate the performance infrastructure — strength programs, nutrition, facilities — but there are still lifestyle and logistical improvements to be made.
And here’s what makes this particularly intriguing:
This is the first year the NFLPA wasn’t supposed to publicly release full results. The fact that the grades surfaced anyway adds a layer of quiet tension between players and league leadership.
Still, for Chicago, the big headline is cultural momentum.
An NFC North title. An A-grade head coach. Strong marks for ownership and management. Improvements in dining and player support services. Stability in the weight room and locker room environment.
For a franchise that has been navigating stadium uncertainty and organizational transition, this report card suggests something critical:
The players believe in the direction.
Are the Bears a model franchise yet? Not quite. There are clear areas to polish, particularly in how families are supported and how game-day environments are perceived.
But compared to recent seasons, the arrow is pointing up — and decisively so.
In a league where locker room sentiment can derail momentum overnight, the Bears just received confirmation that their foundation is strengthening.
The grades may have leaked quietly.
But the message is loud.
Chicago is trending forward.
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