ESPN: Some teams take care of player families....others? Not so much

[StickierBuns]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/4555...-treatment

"And while the importance of the surveys varies from team to team, some teams, like the Minnesota Vikings, believe the NFLPA survey -- and particularly the assessments of how the team treats families -- has been key to the back-to-back monster free agent classes they signed in 2024 and 2025.

Falcons offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom, who is an NFLPA player rep, said before the report cards were done -- the first was published in 2023 -- when players were going through the free agency process, they had to try to call around to other players they knew to get a feel for the pros and cons of each franchise.

"The survey has had a major impact," 2025 Vikings free agent signing Ryan Kelly said. "Because you're a guy looking for a new home, you've got kids, you have a family. It's like, 'what's the treatment like?' If you treat my family well, I'm going to be happier as a person, I'm going to be happier as a player, I'm going to be in a better mood, and we'll probably have more success."

Kelly spent his first nine seasons with the Colts, a team that was middle-of-the-pack with a B-minus ranking for treatment of families in the most recent survey.

And although it is early in his Vikings career, it didn't take Kelly long to feel like the survey results he had seen were accurate.

"Being only there for a little over 24 hours [to sign his FA contract], we felt that as my entire family was there," Kelly said. "It didn't matter if it was my mom or my dad or my kids or a nanny, everybody felt the love and that goes to show you it's a special place."

[purplefaithful]

As a parent myself, its a no brainer to make sure the families are taken care of and treated well.

I'm not surprised how well the Vikings do and how poorly other franchises prioritize & execute such a basic need.

[MaroonBells]

Just makes you wonder why more teams don't put more time, effort and money into building a positive culture.

[Montana Tom]

Just makes you wonder why more teams don't put more time, effort and money into building a positive culture.

Not every management group has the same philosophy.  Particularly some of these ego-driven owners who are distracted with shiny objects.
We are so fortunate to have the Wilf's as owners.

[StickierBuns]

Its what's called investing in a culture in a real way. You hear other bullshit from companies about 'family' and other blah blah blah crap, but put your money and your resources where your mouth is. That's what Viking ownership has done. It takes people, on staff, hired on the Viking's payroll to attend and facilitate amenities/needs for the player's families. Dedicated only to that end. Its evident that they care sincerely.

[JimmyinSD]

Its what's called investing in a culture in a real way. You hear other bullshit from companies about 'family' and other blah blah blah crap, but put your money and your resources where your mouth is. That's what Viking ownership has done. It takes people, on staff, hired on the Viking's payroll to attend and facilitate amenities/needs for the player's families. Dedicated only to that end. Its evident that they care sincerely.

I had a distant cousin that was a professional corporate concierge for the Minnesota area,  he worked for Mayo and Target,  but they were so tuned into the "experience" that they had people in positions that basically had all the answers and the connections to make them a reality for their VIPs,  sounded like anything short of human virgin sacrifices was doable when it came to making sure their guests were taken care of,  I doubt the Wilfs are going that far, but I found it interesting that this was actually a real and high paying job.

[Rigby]

Just makes you wonder why more teams don't put more time, effort and money into building a positive culture.

See Twins, Minnesota.

[greediron]

Just makes you wonder why more teams don't put more time, effort and money into building a positive culture.

Some can't even build a positive lockerroom.  It has always amazed me that teams can't figure out how to build a team, let alone a culture.  Eagles have showed everyone the team starts with the lines.  The Vikings are showing how to build a culture.

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Its what's called investing in a culture in a real way. You hear other bullshit from companies about 'family' and other blah blah blah crap, but put your money and your resources where your mouth is. That's what Viking ownership has done. It takes people, on staff, hired on the Viking's payroll to attend and facilitate amenities/needs for the player's families. Dedicated only to that end. Its evident that they care sincerely.

Yup, some will pay so much for a head coach, but not for the assistants and people that get stuff done.