NFL Rejects Packers' Proposal to Ban Eagles' Tush Push Play

The NFL voted on May 21, 2025, on a proposal from the Green Bay Packers to ban the "tush push," a quarterback sneak play popularized and highly effectively executed by the Philadelphia Eagles with Jalen Hurts. The proposal, which would prohibit pushing or pulling a runner, failed to reach the necessary 24 votes, allowing the play to remain legal with a final vote of 22-10. Eagles players and leadership, including owner Jeffrey Lurie, coach Nick Sirianni, and Hurts himself, expressed mixed feelings—with Hurts declining to comment and others like Jason Kelce and Jordan Mailata showing varying degrees of indifference or humor about the play's name and potential ban. Critics, such as Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, supported banning it to proactively prevent injuries, despite no injury data supporting the claim, while supporters argued it is a fair and effective play unique to the Eagles. The play has been a critical part of the Eagles’ offense, contributing to many short-yardage conversions and touchdowns, including in their recent Super Bowl victory. The debate highlighted differing perspectives on the play’s fairness, safety, and strategic uniqueness within the NFL.