Packers Propose Changes to “Tush Push” Rule Before Vote
In anticipation of a vote that could ban the controversial “tush push”, the Green Bay Packers have submitted a revision of their proposed rule. This modification seeks to extend the prohibition of pushing or pulling the ball carrier anywhere on the field.
According to the new wording of the proposal, offensive players will not be able to assist the runner, except by individually blocking opponents.
The Packers also removed the phrase “immediately after the start” in the updated version of the proposal.
In April, during the meetings in Palm Beach, the NFL owners decided to postpone the vote on the Packers’ initial proposal. It was planned to resume and vote on the proposal during the meetings in Minneapolis, which began on Tuesday and are scheduled to conclude on Wednesday.
The “tush push”, a play popularized by the Super Bowl-winning Eagles, involves a team lining up one or more players behind the quarterback to push him forward against the defense.
Although the initial language seemed directed at the Bills and Eagles, specifically seeking to eliminate the push immediately after the start, the revised proposal is broader in an effort to persuade more teams to vote in favor of the ban. The revised proposal would return the league to the rule that was followed until 2005.
For the Packers’ proposal to be approved and to ban the “tush push”, as well as any other push or pull play, the league needs the approval of 24 of the 32 owners. Sources reported that the teams were divided in April, with 16 in favor of Green Bay’s proposal and 16 against.
The league’s owners are expected to vote on the proposal in the coming days, in addition to other proposed rules, including a change to the playoff seeding format, the “onside kick,” and one that would allow NFL players to participate in Olympic flag football in 2028.
