Texans rank sixth in annual NFLPA player report card: A grades for DeMeco Ryans, Cal McNair

INDIANAPOLIS – For the second year in a row, the Texans received high marks in the annual NFL Players Association player report card that focuses on working conditions around the league.

They rank sixth overall, up from seventh last season. They were fourth in the inaugural player report card.

The Texans have made significant capital investments in their training facility, including upgraded locker rooms and medical areas, nutrition with individualized meal plans at the team cafeteria and in their strength and conditioning programs.

And head coach DeMeco Ryans and owner Cal McNair received A grades along with the food and dining area and nutrition with B-pluses for the training room and staff, weight room and strength coaches.

Yes, the Texans listened to player input and are going to put a sauna back in at NRG Stadium.

“I think it’s a credit to the program, it’s a credit to the operations staff, nutrition and training staff,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine. “I think it’s a credit to those people in the building. Our job is to serve the players and we try to provide the resources to the players so they can be successful. And it’s a credit to the McNairs for giving us the resources to provide the opportunity. I think it’s a reflection that the players feel welcome and want to be here. They see we’re providing the services to help them be successful.

“If there’s an area we can improve, I think the sauna was in there, we’re going to put the sauna back in. I mean we had to take it out because of COVID and other things. Whatever we can do to help the players perform at an optimal level, that’s our responsibility. It’s nice to be thought of positively. Players talk, so when players want to be here it’s because of the players that want to be here and it’s because of the players in the locker room and the presence of DeMeco, one of the top coaches in the league. Who wouldn’t want to play for this guy? Those are the things we’re proud of.”

Ninety-seven percent of Texans players feel Ryans is efficient with their time, ranking ninth overall. The players said Ryans is moderately receptive to locker room feedback on the team’s needs, ranking him 17 of 32 head coaches in the league.

McNair received a 9.4 average out of 10 for his willingness to invest in the facilities, ranking seventh out of all owners, with a sixth ranking for opinions that ownership significantly contributes to a positive team culture and eighth for being extremely committed to building a competitive team.

They received B grades for treatment of families, locker room and team travel.

Overall, players identify no major weaknesses, but players suggest adding a sauna to the facility as a potential improvement area.

“The Houston Texans finished 6th with head coach DeMeco Ryans and owner Cal McNair receiving strong grades overall,” the report stated. “Their food program and dietician were also ranked among the best. Not only did the food program and dietician receive high grades, but when asked what the team is currently doing best, the players called out those two areas specifically.

“The Texans provide daycare during home games. They are one of only 10 teams that do not provide a family room during home games. Players rate the post-game family area 6.70 out of 10, ranking them 25 out of 32 teams. The players feel that the team organizes family events several times per year, which ranks 20 out of 32. Players want the post-game family area to be moved indoors to an air-conditioned room.”

Food ranked second overall for taste and freshness, second for individualized nutrition plans, fourth for access to dietician Ladd Harris.

The locker room ranked 16th.

The training room ranked first overall for having enough full-time trainers and second for having enough physical therapists, and fifth for training staff.

The Texans ranked 23rd out of 32 teams for having enough personal space on team charter flights and ninth for travel schedule efficiency. Players want more access to first-class seats when they travel.

The capital improvements were installed during the past three years, including some of the projects begun before the arrival of Ryans and Caserio.

“We hope these insights continue to inspire teams to take action, even on small changes that can significantly impact their players’ lives,” NFLPA chief strategy officer JC Tretter wrote. “Together, we’re striving to raising the bar for our union members.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.