NFL Owners Vote Against Ban of Eagles' Tush Push Play

NFL owners voted against banning the "Tush Push," a short-yardage play popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, with the proposal falling two votes short of the required 24 for passage. The play involves teammates pushing the quarterback forward to gain crucial yards, a tactic that has proven highly effective for the Eagles, who converted 70% of their fourth-down attempts last season using it. The Green Bay Packers led the effort to ban the play, arguing it lacks skill and is detrimental to the game, but the proposal was rejected despite revisions that broadened the ban to any pushing or pulling of the ball carrier. Eagles representatives, including owner Jeffrey Lurie and former center Jason Kelce, actively lobbied to keep the play legal, highlighting its importance and disputing injury concerns. Although the "Tush Push" accounts for a small fraction of total plays league-wide, it has been a significant strategic advantage for Philadelphia and Buffalo. The NFL also approved a separate rule change allowing onside kicks to be attempted at any point when a team is trailing, with kicking team players lining up one yard closer to the receiving team.