¿Goodbye to the Tush Push? Uncertainty about the future of the play in the NFL

Goodbye to the “Tush Push”? The controversial play could stay in the NFL

Despite the controversy and debate generated around the “Tush Push” (or hip thrust) in the NFL, it seems that this controversial play might not disappear soon. Sources close to the league have revealed that there are no guarantees that the “Tush Push” topic will be discussed or put to a vote in the upcoming offseason. A source suggested that, given the intense discussion and emotions aroused last year, the matter could be postponed for a year before being reconsidered. Furthermore, the possibility of banning the play faces practical challenges. The proposal to ban the “Tush Push” presented last offseason did not garner the necessary support, and now a new author, more backing, and votes would be required for a new proposal to succeed. A source indicated not knowing if this will occur, at least at this initial stage of the season. Criticism of the play could prompt some teams to bring forward a new proposal to ban it later in the season, but for now, the “Tush Push” remains in the NFL. The play has come under scrutiny following frequent use by the Philadelphia Eagles in their recent victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The league has instructed officials to apply the game more strictly and announced that Philadelphia should have been penalized for a false start on at least one occasion during the match. The current Super Bowl champions, the Eagles, have defended the use of the play. Left tackle Jordan Mailata criticized those who use the “Tush Push” as an “excuse” to justify victory. Center Cam Jurgens stated that the Eagles focus on their own game and will adapt to any rule changes that the league may implement.

Critics argue that the “Tush Push” is dangerous, although there is not enough injury data to justify banning it on safety grounds. The Eagles have dominated the “Tush Push” in short-yardage situations, managing to convert the play 96.6% of the time in fourth-down situations and one yard to go since 2022. Jason Kelce, former Eagles center, who defended the “Tush Push” and presented a detailed explanation to NFL owners last spring, believes that renewed criticism could lead to the game’s ban.

“I think the game is sentenced,” Kelce said. “I think there are a lot of people within the league, at multiple levels, who want the game to go away, which is fine.”

Jason Kelce

Despite the growing frustration with the game, there is no significant opposition that could result in its prohibition.