Love it or hate it, the NFL is keeping one of its most talked-about plays. On Wednesday, May 21, news broke that NFL owners voted against banning the Tush Push. The proposal needed at least 24 teams to support it, and didn’t get there. Now, fans and players are sounding off on social media.
Philadelphia Eagles Keep Signature Move
The play that helped the Eagles win their second Super Bowl isn’t going anywhere, at least for now. With the attempted ban falling short, former NFL players like Chris Long took to X to share their thoughts.
For everyone crying https://t.co/oDz5Xvz4Yf pic.twitter.com/z5pfLFBdV5
— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight)
Long’s “For everyone crying” post featured Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown holding a tissue box — a jab at critics frustrated with the play.
Some of that frustration may be fair. The Eagles ran over teams with the Tush Push last season. While the play wasn’t new, Philadelphia’s success with it sparked plenty of debate over whether it was fair. Jalen Hurts and company got most of the heat, but weren’t the only ones using it.
Eagles, Bills Lead NFL in Tush Push Success
The Eagles and Buffalo Bills use the Tush Push more than any other team — and with good reason. Their conversion rates back it up. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor broke down the numbers behind their dominance.
“Not only did the Eagles and Bills run the play the most often, they also were the most successful. They scored a touchdown or achieved a first down on 87% of their tush push attempts, according to ESPN Research, while the rest of the league was successful on 71%,” Pryor wrote.
The Eagles may run it differently than other teams, but the setup is the same — players line up behind the quarterback and push him forward after the snap.
A big reason for the Eagles’ 2024 success? The lower-body power of both Jalen Hurts and 2024 Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley.
Barkley usually lined up behind Hurts, sometimes with a tight end or lineman, helping shove the quarterback across the line to gain.
Hurts is known for his leg strength. He famously squatted 600 pounds in college in front of his Alabama teammates.
Hurts and Barkley often joke about who’s stronger in the weight room — but Barkley isn’t far behind. Last year, the 6’0″ running back was filmed repping 585 pounds, just 15 pounds shy of Hurts.
Strength is a big part of why the Eagles run this play so well. But it’s also the precision. Their technique sets them apart — and as long as the rule stays in place, they’ll keep using it.
Haters might keep hating, but the Tush Push isn’t going away this season.