In the current NFL landscape, a few plays provoke more controversy than the so-called “ Tush Push”. For Eagles fans, it’s a weapon. For opponents, it’s an affront to competitive balance, aesthetics,and possibly safety. As debate revives in 2025, it’s worth dissecting both sides of the argument.
What is the tush push?
The tush push is a variant of the quarterback sneak. After the snap, one or more teammates line up directly behind the quarterback and push him forward, attempting to gain the necessary yardage in short-yardage or goal-line situations. This is distinct from a “ pull or “ carry” of a runner, which remains illegal under NFL rules.
“No touching tushes,” Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Peg Goldschmidt, said.
The league’s existing rules implicitly allow “pushing” as long as it doesn’t evolve into pulling or encircling the runner.
Push or punish? The NFL’s heated debate over the Eagles Tush Push
After a near ban in 2025, players, owners, and fans weigh in on whether the play defines excellence, or undermines the spirit of the game.
The 2025 vote that almost killed it
In spring 2025, the Green Bay Packers spearheaded a proposal to ban the tush push by redefining “assisting the runner” to outlaw pushing or pulling a ball carrier in any direction. However, as far as the play goes, Eagles fans want it to stay.
“It wins.” School nurse , Mrs. Francie McGovern said.
Tush Push Triumph: Eagles Fans Cheer as NFL vote falls short
The 2025 proposal to ban the play fails by two votes, sparking celebration in Philadelphia and frustration across the league.
At the NFL owners meeting in Eagan, Minnesota, the proposal failed by just two votes, showing 22 votes in favor, 10 opposing. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and former Eagles center Jason Kelce were vocal in the debate, with Lurie delivering an impassioned speech defending the play’s place in the game.
“ …. it isn’t illegal, just because other teams can’t stop it, doesn’t mean we should ban it” business/marketing teacher Mr. Kevin Bochella said.
Why we shouldn’t ban it
The tush push is a tool that the Eagles have learned to refine and master. Banning it would penalize teams that have invested time, coaching, and talent to perfect it. There is no evidence that there were injuries tied directly to the Tush Push. Rather than outlawing the play, some suggest better officiating would preserve the play while addressing the fairness issues. Many opponents say that banning a play based on popularity or dominance could open the door for more restrictive rule changes, and limit what coach designs could do.
“It isn’t illegal. Don’t be mad. The birds are the best in the game” Isabelle Nicastro ‘26 said.
Fair play or Foul Push? The NFL’s ongoing Tush Push Tug-of-war
With owners divided and fans fired up, the future of football’s most polarizing play may depend on how far the league wants to push back
Ban or no ban- which side holds weight?
For the Eagles, the ideal outcome is continued existence of the play, perhaps with stricter officiating oversight or clarified rules to ensure fairness. If the league is serious about addressing objections, a middle ground is needed to refine officiating standards rather than eliminate a play many see as within the spirit of competition.
“I think it’s ridiculous cause it’s been around for so long, why get rid of it now?” Willa Foley ‘26 said.
Why the Eagles Tush Push Refuses to die
Despite league efforts to outlaw it, the controversial quarterback sneak survives another vote, proving that dominance isn’t always a crime.
Overall, the Tush Push debate comes down to should the football reward dominance of the system, or should it preserve a level playing field by restricting tools that some believe tilt the balance too far. At the end of the day, The Tush Push will live on in Philadelphia.
