The NFL’s latest directive on the controversial Tush Push has reignited debate across the league, but Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro linebacker Zach Baun is not overly concerned.
The play, often referred to as the “Brotherly Shove,” has become a lightning rod for criticism due to its near-automatic success rate and the physical toll it takes on both offensive and defensive lines. Coaches, analysts, and fans have raised questions about its legality and safety, prompting renewed scrutiny from the league.
Eagles All-Pro Zach Baun Shrugs Off Potential Tush Push Ban
In a training video distributed to all 32 teams this week, the NFL acknowledged that Philadelphia should have been flagged for a false start during its signature quarterback sneak play in Week 2’s 20-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The league instructed officials to “call these plays tight” moving forward, citing movement by Eagles right guard Tyler Steen before the snap as grounds for a penalty.
The Tush Push has become a staple of the Eagles’ short-yardage arsenal. It was used multiple times against Kansas City, including a pivotal 3rd-and-1 conversion late in the fourth quarter.
Baun discussed the controversial play on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” speaking candidly about the increased scrutiny and emphasizing the Eagles’ resilience in adapting to whatever rule changes come their way.
“Whether they ban it or not, I know our team and our staff will find another way to get first downs,” Baun stated. “It is what it is. I don’t have much to say about it. It’s a good play.”
No tush push, no problem for Zack Baun 😂@Eagles | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/XpsWCPrT8m
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) September 19, 2025
The NFL’s renewed scrutiny follows a failed attempt to outlaw the play during the offseason. A proposal to ban the Tush Push fell two votes short of the 24 needed for passage, allowing the Eagles to continue employing the tactic.
Head coach Nick Sirianni defended the play earlier this offseason, stressing the preparation and precision required to run it effectively.
“We work really, really [hard]. I almost feel a little insulted because we work so hard at that play,” Sirianni said in February. “The amount of things that we’ve looked into how to coach that play, the fundamentals.”
“I can’t tell you how many times we practiced the snap. We practice the play because it’s not a play that’s easy to practice, so there’s different ways we figured out how to practice it,” Sirianni added.
Despite the league’s warning, the Eagles remain confident in their execution and adaptability. With the play still legal and Philadelphia undefeated, Baun and the locker room’s message is clear: the team will keep moving the chains, no matter the formation.
