The Philadelphia Eagles’ success with the “Tush Push” play has gone from being a nuisance to a source of outright scorn across the NFL.
While the play narrowly escaped being banned over the past offseason, one former player has a bold prediction for the controversial play’s future.
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That’s what former NFL offensive lineman turned analyst Ross Tucker Tucker addressed during a discussion with Dan Patrick on The Dan Patrick Show about various issues involving the play that became apparent this past week.
Patrick pointed out that even NFL officials are finding it impossible to properly officiate the play and both agreed that there were visible offsides and false start penalties. And while Patrick maintained that the NFL should do more to police the play, Tucker predicted that it will be outright banned next offseason.
“I think this is probably the last year for it,” believes.
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As many have pointed out, the Tush Push play is an extremely high success rate play in the Eagles’ hands. This past week alone they converted on five of seven attempts with it.
Just about everyone outside of the Philadelphia Eagles’ sphere has gotten fed up with it. Some call it boring while others find the success rate with it unfair. Still others believe that the effectiveness hinges on referees’ inability to properly police it.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) lines up for the tush push play on the goal line against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What is the Tush Push?
The “Tush Push” is a variation of the quarterback sneak used by the Eagles, in which additional teammates line up directly behind the quarterback (usually Jalen Hurts) and literally push him forward, while the offensive line also surges ahead to gain short yardage. It’s been highly effective—conversion rates are much higher than typical QB sneak plays—and it played a key role in several critical situations, including scoring in Super Bowls.
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Critics argue the play poses fairness and safety issues. Some contend it gives an unfair advantage to the offense, is difficult to defend, and skirts the edge of rules against “helping the runner.” Others point out that officials have a hard time spotting early movement or false starts in the chaos of the snap. Proposals to ban or change the rule have been floated (for example, by the Packers in 2025), but so far none have passed—partly because many teams support keeping it, and because the NFL has found no significant injuries tied directly to its use.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.