NFL Owners Reject Ban on Eagles’ Tush Push Play, Vote 22-10

NFL owners voted 22-10 against banning the 'Tush Push,' a controversial quarterback sneak play popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, falling two votes short of the required 24 needed to change the rule. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and retired center Jason Kelce actively lobbied to keep the play legal, highlighting its effectiveness and precision, while the Green Bay Packers led the proposal to ban it, citing concerns over player safety and the play's perceived negative impact on individual skill. The play involves teammates pushing the quarterback forward to convert short-yardage situations and has been highly successful, with the Eagles and Buffalo Bills converting 87% of their attempts compared to 71% league-wide. Despite increasing support for the ban since an initial vote in March, the proposal failed, allowing the Eagles to continue utilizing the tactic, as emphasized by their social media team's release of an extensive highlight video celebrating the play. The debate over the 'Tush Push' reflects broader tensions about competitive fairness and player safety in the NFL, with the possibility of revisiting the ban as early as 2026. The vote outcome also humorously mirrored the Eagles' 22-10 playoff victory over the Packers earlier in the season.