Conversations about the "tush push" have headlined NFL news after the Green Bay Packers proposed a new rule that would ultimately ban a play that has greatly benefited the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Green Bay's initial proposal for the rule stated "To prohibit an offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap." The Packers' reasoning for banning the "tush push" is for player safety and pace of play.
The proposed penalty states "For assisting the runner, interlocking interference, or illegal use of hands, arms, or body by the offense: Loss of 10 yards."
NFL team owners met on Tuesday and Green Bay's proposal was tabled for the next league-wide meeting.
According to senior ESPN NFL writer Kalyn Kahler, the initial proposal did receive the support of 16 teams. While this is short of the 24 votes needed to pass the rule, it does show that at least half of the league would like to ban or heavily revise the play.
Packers president Mark Murphy, general manager Brian Gutekunst, and head coach Matt LaFleur are all in agreement on the proposal and that the play does indeed pose an injury risk.
"I don't think it's a great football play, it's more of a rugby play, and some of the injury concerns, we just want to get out in front of that and be a little more proactive," LaFleur explained when asked about the proposal.
Green Bay's new proposal would be broader and prohibit all pushing of the runner, sources told Kahler.
It is likely that the Packers will be doing all that they can to convince at least eight more owners to agree to the revised ban ahead of this meeting.
Those around the league are split over this matter. Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has supported the ban for some time now and continues to do so.
"My biggest concern is the health and safety of the players, first and foremost," McDermott emphasized. "It's added force and then the posture of the players, being asked to execute that type of play, that's where my concern comes in."
In contrast, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans feels otherwise about the proposal.
"It's tough to punish a team for being really good at something," Ryans said.
As of right now, it is uncertain whether or not the play will be banned this offseason. However, it's safe to say that this will be a major discussion as long as Philadelphia continues to dominate with the play. The Eagles defeated Green Bay twice this past season and are 3-0 against them since 2022.
The proposal will be discussed and there will likely be a decision made during the Spring League Meeting, which is scheduled for May 20-21 in Minnesota.
