Jason Kelce may have officially retired, but he’s not done fighting for the Philadelphia Eagles just yet. As the NFL’s spring meetings culminate in a pivotal vote on whether to ban the controversial Tush Push, the former All-Pro center showed up in Minneapolis to make sure his voice — and the Eagles’ stance — was heard loud and clear.
The debate over the quarterback sneak variation has dominated league discussions for over a year. Critics point to injury risk and perceived unfair advantages, while defenders of the play argue it’s within the rules and rooted in execution. Now, with decision-makers set to vote, the Eagles aren’t just relying on data — they’re turning to one of their most respected voices to shift the narrative.
Jason Kelce Sets the Record Straight on Injury Claims and Philadelphia Eagles’ Tush Push Reputation
On Wednesday, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Kelce is in Minneapolis on behalf of the Eagles this morning to lobby NFL owners as to why they should keep, and not ban, the Tush Push play.
Former Philadelphia Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce is in Minneapolis on behalf of the Eagles this morning to lobby NFL owners as to why they should keep, and not ban, the Tush Push play. pic.twitter.com/SCKJcpqDE5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Kelce heard rumblings from the April league meetings that he retired because of the Tush Push. Now, he’s attending the owners’ meetings today to set the record straight.
Kelce, appearing on the May 21 episode of the “New Heights” podcast with his brother Travis Kelce, addressed a rumor that’s been floating around league circles — that the Tush Push played a role in his retirement. And he’s not happy about it.
“There were some things said at the last owners’ meeting,” Kelce said. “Some of the owners and coaches hinted that the reason I stopped playing was because of the Tush Push and that I got hurt on the Tush Push frequently.”
Travis was quick to react: “What the f***?”
Jason didn’t hold back, continuing, “I’m just going to answer any questions people have about my partaking in this play. I don’t care whether it gets banned or not… If they vote to ban the Tush Push, the Eagles are still going to run quarterback sneak at a very high percentage.”
“92% exactly,” Travis added, highlighting just how effective the play has been.
Jason Kelce said he heard some coaches and owners suggested at the last league meetings that he retired because of the Tush Push.
So now he’s attending the owners meetings today to make it clear that’s absolutely not true — and to set the record straight. pic.twitter.com/DjER3NNvPi
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate)
That efficiency is central to Philadelphia’s case. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, the Eagles and Buffalo Bills have executed the Tush Push 183 times combined since 2022 — more than the rest of the NFL combined. Their conversion rate? A staggering 87%. The rest of the league converts similar plays at a 71% clip.
Kelce didn’t just defend the play — he joked he’d come back if that’s all he had to do.
“I’ll come out of retirement today if you tell me all I’ve got to do is run 80 Tush Pushes to play in the NFL,” he said. “It’ll be the easiest job in the world.”
Former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Chase Daniel said it best, “If Jason Kelce can’t save the Tush Push, I don’t know who can.”
If Jason Kelce can’t save the Tush Push, I don’t know who can.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel)
As his brother joked about making signs that say “Keep the Push. Push My Tush,” Kelce kept his focus on the bigger picture — representing his former team and addressing misconceptions head-on.
“I think you’re doing Philadelphia and the Eagles organization right by going in here and representing that it’s not what people are making it out to be,” Travis said.
The Eagles aren’t hiding from the controversy — they’re embracing it, sending one of their most respected voices straight into the room where it happens. Whether or not the league bans the Tush Push, Kelce’s presence ensures Philly’s side of the story is heard.