Despite some owners in the NFL shunning the grades given by the NFL Players Association, others like Bengals executive V.P. Katie Blackburn embrace them wholeheartedly. Blackburn believes in being open to feedback and using it to improve in the future.
Blackburn’s attitude shows that she takes the grades seriously and is willing to make improvements. The NFLPA will continue to issue these grades with the goal of improving the work experience for players. Owners who ignore the grades do so at their own peril, as it may indicate accuracy in the issues highlighted by the grades.
Overall, the grading process is effective in sparking positive change in the NFL. It helps players make informed decisions about where they want to play and encourages owners to make improvements based on the feedback provided. Blackburn’s approach of embracing the grades as an opportunity for growth sets a positive example for other owners in the league.