NFL Owners Vote to Keep Controversial ‘Tush Push’ Play Alive for 2024 Season

The “tush push” is here to stay—at least for now. In a pivotal vote at the NFL Spring League Meeting in Eagan, Minnesota, a proposal to ban the controversial play narrowly failed, falling just two votes short of the 24 required for approval.

Made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles, the tush push is a short-yardage play where offensive teammates push the quarterback from behind to gain critical yards—often resulting in nearly automatic first downs or touchdowns. While wildly effective, the play has become one of the most hotly debated strategies in the league, raising questions of safety and competitive balance.

The vote outcome: 22 teams voted to ban the play, while 10 teams—including the Eagles, Ravens, Browns, and Saints—voted to keep it legal. Among those who opposed the ban were teams who have successfully employed the tactic or have offensive strategies aligned with it. On the other hand, teams like the Packers, Giants, and Commanders—frequent victims of the play—spearheaded the push for prohibition.

Interestingly, former Eagles coordinators now coaching the Cardinals and Colts reportedly supported the play’s legality, but their respective franchises still voted against it. The final vote revealed tensions between coaching philosophies and front office decision-making.

Retired Eagles legend Jason Kelce, who made the trip to Minnesota to advocate for the play, remained silent post-vote, but NFL Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay acknowledged Kelce’s passionate and articulate defense. “We heard from the Eagles. Then we heard from a lot of teams in the room. We watched some video and realized that was not a rule ready to be passed,” said McKay.

The Green Bay Packers, who submitted the proposal, argued the play “lacks skill” and poses unnecessary risk. Packers President Mark Murphy called the tush push “bad for the game,” adding that it bypasses traditional quarterback skill plays and removes defensive drama from short-yardage situations.

However, Eagles players and fans celebrated the decision. The team posted “Push On” on social media, cementing their resolve to continue utilizing what has become their trademark play. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, who has scored the majority of his 52 career rushing touchdowns using the tactic, is expected to remain its primary benefactor.

The debate, however, is far from over. With safety concerns and league-wide division still prominent, the tush push may resurface on the 2025 rulebook agenda. For now, Philadelphia retains its most efficient weapon—and the NFL prepares for another season where pushing from behind might just be the smartest move on fourth and one.