Official: NFL Allowed Tush Push After Owners’ Meeting with Modifications

New York, NY – May 22, 2025 – The NFL announced today that the controversial "Tush Push" play, a signature tactic of the Philadelphia Eagles, will remain legal following a heated owners’ meeting. However, the league introduced modifications to address safety concerns raised by several teams.

The "Tush Push," also known as the "Brotherly Shove," involves the quarterback sneaking behind a mass of pushing linemen to gain short yardage. Despite its effectiveness, some teams argued it posed risks to player safety, prompting a vote to ban the play at the annual owners’ meeting.

A ban required 24 votes out of 32 teams, but sources confirm the proposal fell short with only 22 votes in favor. Ten teams voted against the ban, ensuring the play’s survival: Eagles, Ravens, Browns, Lions, Jaguars, Dolphins, Patriots, Saints, Jets, and Titans.

The Eagles, who have mastered the "Tush Push" under coach Nick Sirianni, were unsurprisingly among the dissenters. The play has been a cornerstone of their short-yardage strategy, contributing to their Super Bowl LIX triumph with a 90% success rate on third-and-1 conversions.

To address safety concerns, the NFL introduced modifications, including stricter penalties for illegal formations and a new rule requiring the quarterback to initiate the snap without assistance from behind. “We want to keep the game safe while preserving strategy,” an NFL spokesperson said.

Fan reactions on X are mixed, with Eagles supporters celebrating, “Tush Push lives! Philly stays unstoppable!” while others, like a Cowboys fan, grumbled, “This play is a cheat code—should’ve been banned.”

The decision ensures Sirianni, who recently signed a multi-year extension, can continue utilizing the play as the Eagles aim for Super Bowl LX. “It’s a weapon we’ll keep using,” Sirianni said after the vote.

The Eagles face the Cowboys in their season opener on September 4 at Lincoln Financial Field, where the "Tush Push" will likely make its 2025 debut, setting the stage for another chapter in the NFC East rivalry as the Philly Special Era rolls on.