An NFL team has proposed banning the “tush push” play, a strategy the Philadelphia Eagles have mastered for goal-line and short-yardage situations, including during their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.
NFL executive Troy Vincent confirmed on Monday that a team submitted a proposal to prohibit the play, which involves a quarterback sneak with teammates pushing the quarterback, Jalen Hurts, forward to gain the necessary yardage for a first down or touchdown. The team behind the proposal was not named.
NFL owners could vote on the proposal during their meeting next month in Florida.
The “tush push” has become closely associated with the Eagles, and its effectiveness was highlighted in a key moment during the NFC Championship game against Washington. The Commanders jumped offside four times in just five plays while attempting to stop the move, and the referee warned them that another infraction could result in an automatic touchdown for the Eagles.
Green Bay Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy expressed his concerns about the “tush push” play, calling it “bad for the game” in a statement posted on the team’s website following the Packers’ elimination by the Eagles in the playoffs.
Mark Murphy, president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, criticized the “tush push” play, stating that it lacks skill and is almost guaranteed to result in a first down on short-yardage plays. He expressed his desire for the league to prohibit pushing or aiding the runner.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, a member of the competition committee, also raised concerns about player safety. While the Bills have used a version of the play, McDermott questioned whether the techniques involved could negatively impact players’ health. He acknowledged the need for more injury data but mentioned he wasn’t fond of the optics surrounding the play.
McDermott did not state whether he supported a rule change regarding the play. While the Bills were largely successful with the tush push in short-yard situations last season, quarterback Josh Allen was stopped for no gain on a crucial fourth-and-1 play early in the fourth quarter during a 32-29 loss to Kansas City in the AFC championship game.