NFL Considers Ban on the ‘Tush Push’ Play: A Divided Debate
In 2022, the Philadelphia Eagles introduced the “tush push,” a highly effective quarterback sneak where Jalen Hurts is pushed from behind by teammates to secure first downs in short-yardage situations. Three years later, the NFL is considering banning the play following a proposal from the Green Bay Packers.
The Proposal to Ban the Tush Push
The Packers’ proposed rule change would prohibit offensive players from pushing a teammate who is lined up directly behind the quarterback at the time of the snap. This proposal is expected to generate significant discussion during the NFL’s league meetings in Florida, with team owners scheduled to vote on it Tuesday. There’s growing momentum to ban the play, and the issue is expected to be hotly contested.
Support and Opposition Within the Competition Committee
There is support for banning the tush push among several coaches and executives within the NFL’s competition committee. Among them are Rams head coach Sean McVay and Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who have been vocal in their backing for the rule change. On Sunday, an animated conversation took place between Eagles executives and McVay and McDermott, illustrating the heated division on the topic.
Sean McVay, Head Coach of the Los Angeles Rams
Sean McDermott, Head Coach of the Buffalo Bills
The Split Opinion Among the Competition Committee
Despite support from McVay and McDermott, the competition committee remains split on the matter, as does the league’s 32-team voting body. To implement the ban, 24 teams would need to vote in favor, making the outcome uncertain. McDermott, whose Bills have adopted the play, is likely resisting the proposal due to the success his team has had with the tactic.
Falcons CEO Rich McKay, who chairs the competition committee, acknowledged the perception that the proposal targets just two teams—the Eagles and the Bills. McKay expressed discomfort with the idea that the rule change is aimed at these specific teams.
Rich McKay, CEO of the Atlanta Falcons
Green Bay’s Proposal: Safety and Pace of Play
The Packers’ reasoning behind their proposal centers on player safety and the pace of play. However, many believe that the true motive is that Green Bay struggles to replicate the play and defend against it. Critics point out that the play was only run 101 times in 2024, representing a tiny fraction of total plays across the league, making claims about player safety and pace of play seem questionable.
Challenges in Countering the Play
In January’s NFC Championship game, the Washington Commanders attempted a defensive strategy to jump the snap in an effort to stop the tush push. This led to multiple penalties, and at one point, officials threatened to award the Eagles a touchdown due to a rarely invoked rule about “palpably unfair acts.” This example highlighted how some teams may try to disrupt the play by forcing referees into tough situations.
Arguments Against the Ban
Opponents of the tush push ban argue for consistency with league rules. For instance, the NFL already prohibits players from pushing teammates in certain situations, such as on extra points. Stephen Jones, co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys, a member of the competition committee, believes quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts would still succeed even without the push, given his exceptional athleticism.
Stephen Jones, Co-Owner of the Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles’ Support for the Tush Push
The Eagles remain hopeful that they have enough support to block the proposed rule change. Nick Sirianni, head coach of the Eagles, has expressed confidence that their former assistant coaches, now head coaches at other teams, will vote to preserve the play. These coaches include Jonathan Gannon (Cardinals), Shane Steichen (Colts), and Kellen Moore (Saints), all of whom may have been influenced by their time with the Eagles.
Nick Sirianni, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles
The Path Forward
With strong opinions on both sides, the fate of the tush push remains uncertain. Todd Bowles (Buccaneers), Nick Caserio (Texans), and John Harbaugh (Ravens) are among other coaches who oppose the ban, arguing that teams should find ways to stop the play rather than outlawing it. If enough teams reject the proposal, the tush push will remain in use for the 2025 season, but the debate is likely to continue into the next offseason.
Todd Bowles, Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
John Harbaugh, Head Coach of the Baltimore Ravens
Conclusion: The Future of the Tush Push
The debate over the tush push is far from over. While the Packers’ proposal to ban the play has sparked significant discussion, there is no clear consensus on whether it should be banned. The NFL’s competition committee and team owners will soon decide whether the play will remain a staple of the league or if it will be relegated to the history books. However, even if the rule is approved, teams could certainly revive the conversation in the future, keeping the debate alive for years to come.