At least one team opposing the popular quarterback sneak style is pushing for its removal.
An NFL team has submitted a proposal to eliminate the “Tush Push” play, NFL EVP of football operations Troy Vincent shared with NFL Network Senior National Columnist Judy Battista on Monday. While Vincent did not disclose which team made the proposal, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero later revealed that it was the Green Bay Packers who suggested the ban.
Although the play has its origins in basic quarterback sneaks, the “Tush Push” — also referred to as the “Brotherly Shove” — was popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles. The play involves quarterback Jalen Hurts receiving the snap and charging forward, with two teammates pushing him from behind to help secure the yardage needed for a first down or a touchdown.
The “Tush Push” has been extremely successful for the Eagles, with Hurts tying for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (14) in 2024. Many NFL teams have tried to adapt the play in their own way, some by targeting a specific side of the line or incorporating misdirection to send the ball carrier outside the A-gap. However, none have executed it as effectively as the Eagles, who even managed to draw Washington offside multiple times in a row during the NFC Championship Game in January.
The play has sparked frustration among opponents, which led to the proposal Vincent discussed on Monday. However, justifying the play’s illegality may prove challenging.
A potential ideological clash is brewing within the NFL’s competition committee as it reviews proposals annually.
Last year, the league’s owners approved a new kickoff format and banned the hip-drop tackle, but the “Brotherly Shove” wasn’t part of the discussion.
“Three years ago, the Hip Drop and the Tush Push were part of the same conversation,” Vincent explained to Battista. “Last year, we decided to focus on the hip-drop tackle and let the Tush Push stand, recognizing that the Eagles simply execute it better than anyone. But concerns have arisen. Our health and safety committee discussed the issue today and will address some challenges and concerns with the broader group tomorrow. The Tush Push will definitely be a topic of discussion as we move into March.”
Bills head coach Sean McDermott, one of four NFL coaches on the competition committee, commented on the proposal Monday during his NFL Scouting Combine news conference.
“There’s always been injury risk, and I’ve shared my concerns over the last couple of years, especially as the play has been used more, particularly last year,” McDermott said. “Player safety has to be a priority for us, and I believe the techniques used in this play may pose a risk to the health and safety of players. I think the optics of it aren’t great, even though we’ll need to look at the injury data. I’m just not fond of it.”
The competition committee will have a month to prepare its stance ahead of the Annual League Meeting, which begins on March 30.
