Tush Push Survives! How the Eagles Won the Battle Against the NFL’s Proposed Ban
The tension was palpable at the NFL’s spring meetings in Eagan, Minnesota. For months, whispers had circulated, arguments had been made, and data had been dissected. The fate of one of the league’s most talked-about plays hung in the balance: the “Tush Push,” also known as the “Brotherly Shove.” But in the end, the Eagles prevailed.
The Play That Divided a League
The Tush Push, a quarterback sneak variation perfected by the Philadelphia Eagles, involves the quarterback (typically Jalen Hurts) receiving the snap and surging forward, aided by teammates pushing him from behind. It’s a play designed for short-yardage situations, a near-guaranteed conversion when executed correctly. And the Eagles, with their formidable offensive line led by coach Jeff Stoutland and Hurts’ impressive squatting power, have executed it to near perfection.
However, its effectiveness has also made it controversial. Critics argue that it’s not a “traditional” football play, resembling more of a rugby scrum. Concerns about player safety have also been raised, although the NFL has stated that no injuries have been reported as a result of the Tush Push.
The Packers’ Proposal and the NFL’s Debate
The Green Bay Packers, spearheaded by their head coach Matt LaFleur, formally proposed a ban on the play. Their proposal sought to prohibit “pushing, pulling, lifting, or assisting the runner except by individually blocking opponents.” The proposal was brought to a vote during the NFL owners’ meeting.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted the league had concerns about the play, specifically regarding player safety and the aesthetics of the play. NFL Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay echoed this sentiment, stating that some owners felt the play was not in the spirit of traditional football.
Jeffrey Lurie, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Chairman and CEO, staunchly defended the Tush Push. He argued that there was no data to suggest it was an unsafe play and emphasized that it was available to every team in the league. Lurie also highlighted the strategic element of the play, emphasizing that football is a “chess match” and the Tush Push is simply one piece of the puzzle.
Kelce’s Case: A Center’s Perspective
Adding further weight to the Eagles’ defense was the presence of former center Jason Kelce. Kelce, a key figure in the Tush Push’s success, attended the meetings and spoke to the owners, accompanied by videos showcasing the play. He focused on the mechanics of the play, arguing that it wasn’t inherently dangerous.
Kelce’s advocacy was particularly compelling, given his status as one of the most respected players in the league. His detailed explanation of the play’s nuances and his passion for the game resonated with many owners.
The Vote and Its Aftermath
Ultimately, the vote on the Tush Push ban failed to pass. The proposal needed 24 votes to pass but only received 22, with 10 teams voting against the ban. The teams that sided with the Eagles in keeping the Tush Push were the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans.
Notably, every team on the Eagles’ 2025 regular season schedule, except for the Detroit Lions, voted to ban the play. This included their NFC East rivals – the Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants – all of whom have struggled to stop the Tush Push.
The Eagles’ Dominance and the League’s Copycats
The Eagles’ success with the Tush Push is undeniable. In the 2024 season, they converted 39 of 48 attempts (81.3 percent). In previous seasons, their success rate was even higher, reaching 92.3 percent in 2022. This dominance has led other teams to try and replicate the play, with varying degrees of success.
However, the Eagles’ execution of the Tush Push is unique. It requires a combination of factors: a strong offensive line, a powerful quarterback like Jalen Hurts, and precise timing. It’s not simply about pushing the quarterback forward; it’s about the angles, the leverage, and the collective effort of the entire unit.
Looking Ahead: The Tush Push Era Continues
With the Tush Push surviving the proposed ban, the Eagles can continue to utilize this potent weapon in their offense. It gives them a significant advantage in short-yardage situations, allowing them to control the clock and keep their offense on the field.
However, the debate surrounding the play is unlikely to disappear entirely. Opponents will continue to search for ways to stop it, and the NFL may revisit the issue in the future. But for now, the Tush Push remains a part of the game, and the Philadelphia Eagles have emerged victorious in this particular battle.