Broncos Coach Sean Payton Defends Tush Push After NFL Ban Vote Falls Short

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has voiced strong support for the "tush push," a controversial quarterback sneak play popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the Broncos' ownership voting in favor of banning the play during the NFL offseason, Payton himself opposed the ban, criticizing the use of health and safety concerns as a basis for the proposal, calling it "bulls—t" and arguing it might be the safest play in football. He emphasized that the play is fundamentally a well-executed quarterback sneak, citing historical precedents like the 1967 Ice Bowl where a similar push occurred. Payton also praised the Eagles for innovating with variations of the play, including a fake that led to a touchdown. The NFL owners' vote to ban the play fell short by two votes, allowing the "tush push" to remain legal. Payton's perspective underscores a divide between aesthetic or competitive objections and the actual safety implications of the play, which remains a highly effective short-yardage tactic.