The “Tush Push” — the quarterback sneak play made famous (and highly effective) by the Philadelphia Eagles — remains one of the most debated topics in the NFL this offseason. Although a proposal to ban it was tabled at the recent owners meetings, momentum is building for its possible removal from the game when league officials reconvene in May.
A Split Vote and the Power of Influence
At the most recent owners meeting, the vote to ban the Tush Push ended in a 16-16 tie — eight votes short of the 24 required to pass a rule change. Rather than shelving the idea entirely, the league opted to table the proposal, leaving the door open for reconsideration.
There is growing speculation that Commissioner Roger Goodell may be positioning himself to help sway owners against the play in time for the May meetings in Minneapolis. Goodell has previously demonstrated an ability to flip votes between sessions, such as with the approval of Thursday Night Football flex scheduling.
Although the Green Bay Packers submitted the official proposal, it’s believed that they did so at the encouragement of Goodell. Packers president Mark Murphy has publicly criticized the play, and insiders suggest Goodell may have used that as an opportunity to launch the formal challenge — with the Commissioner’s full support behind it.
Why the League Wants It Gone
The growing desire to eliminate the Tush Push stems from several factors:
- Aesthetics: Coaches and league officials, including Rams head coach Sean McVay, have voiced concerns that the play doesn’t look like “real football.” It resembles a rugby-style scrum that some feel is out of place in the modern NFL.
- Safety: The NFL’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, has warned that the compact, high-impact nature of the play increases the risk of catastrophic injuries — including to the spine, neck, and head. While there’s no direct injury data linked to the Tush Push yet, the potential danger is enough to alarm league officials.
- Liability: Roger Goodell has previously faced intense scrutiny over player safety, including testifying before Congress about concussions. The possibility of serious injury from a high-profile play like the Tush Push could reopen those wounds — something the league would prefer to avoid.
Flaws in the Current Proposal
Part of why the ban didn’t pass immediately is due to vague and problematic wording in the original proposal. For example, it stated that players could not be “immediately” pushed — but left unclear how long after the snap pushing becomes illegal. Could a push four seconds into the play still be legal? Could a player push from the side rather than directly behind the quarterback?
These loopholes created uncertainty, and many owners were hesitant to approve a rule change with so many gray areas.
What Comes Next?
Expect the proposal to be revised before the May meetings, with clearer language and fewer loopholes. Behind the scenes, Goodell and league executives are expected to engage owners in further discussion to build support.
While flipping eight votes is difficult, it’s not out of the question — especially if Goodell pushes hard for it. “If Roger wants it out of the game,” one league source noted, “he’ll figure out a way to get it done.”
Final Word
The future of the Tush Push may hinge on how owners respond to health data, aesthetics, and pressure from league leadership over the next several weeks. With injury concerns, image issues, and political maneuvering all in play, the May meetings in Minneapolis could be a defining moment for the NFL’s approach to safety and competition.
