NFL Tush Push Remains Legal Despite Ongoing Controversy
The National Football League will maintain its current stance on the controversial "Tush Push" play, with no ban expected for the 2026 season despite growing criticism from various quarters within the league.
NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich McKay confirmed over the weekend that no formal proposal has emerged to prohibit the short-yardage play, which saw increased usage across the league during the 2025 season.
"There's no team proposal that I've seen from it," McKay stated during the NFL combine. "So, I wouldn't envision it. But you never know."
Persistent Concerns Over Player Safety
The play drew renewed scrutiny following a controversial incident during Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' performance in a 38-20 victory over the New York Giants. Officials ruled that Hurts' forward progress had been stopped before an apparent fumble, highlighting the difficulties in officiating such plays.
Critics have raised legitimate concerns about the play's safety implications and its impact on game officiating. The physical nature of the play creates situations where injuries may occur during the inevitable scrum, while officials struggle to detect false starts amid the chaos at the line of scrimmage.
Strategic Advantage for Select Teams
The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills have established themselves as the primary practitioners of this rugby-inspired technique. The play involves teammates pushing the quarterback or ball carrier forward through a pile of bodies at the line of scrimmage, creating significant advantages in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur, whose team proposed the unsuccessful ban last season, maintains his position against the play. "I think the best way to stop it is to not allow it to happen," LaFleur explained, citing concerns about quarterback safety in such physical situations.
Previous Legislative Efforts
The Packers' proposal to ban the play fell short of the required 24 votes during league meetings in May, receiving only 22 votes in favor with 10 opposed. The initial proposal targeted quarterback-driven plays but was later amended to include all ball carriers.
Eagles coach Nick Sirriani has defended his team's use of the play, emphasizing the extensive preparation and fundamental coaching required for successful execution. He characterized potential bans as unfair to teams that have invested significant effort in mastering the technique.
While sentiment within the league suggests growing fatigue with the controversial play, insufficient support exists for another formal proposal and vote to implement a ban. The "Tush Push" will therefore remain a legal and strategic option for teams willing to employ it during the upcoming season.