NFL Breaking News: NFL Owners Reject Tush Push Ban at 2025 Spring Meeting

At the NFL Spring League Meeting in Minneapolis, the Philadelphia Eagles' classic "tush push" play survived to fight another day, its spot in the league in the 2025 season intact. A proposal led by the Green Bay Packers to prohibit pushing or pulling a runner in either direction did not receive the necessary 24 of 32 votes from NFL owners.
ESPN's Adam Schefter said at least nine, and as many as 10, voted against the ban, with the Ravens, Patriots, Jets and Lions, making the play legal. The result allows the Super Bowl LIX winner Eagles to keep using their very effective short-yardage play, quarterbacked by Jalen Hurts, with controversy over its role in the sport persisting.
Was the Tush Push Banned?
The tush push, or "Brotherly Shove," is still a legal play. The original Packers proposal, which in April of 2024 ended in a 16-16 tie, was re-submitted to the May 2025 meeting with some of the problems smoothed out and with wider application. In spite of that, the measure could not get enough support. X social media postings mirrored the split sentiment, as fans and analysts alike disagreed over the merits of the play.
Schefter also reported that the Eagles' former center Jason Kelce was present at the meeting to make a case for the play, citing its strategic value to Philadelphia. The failure of the vote cements the tush push as an Eagles' signature play, although its publicity guarantees ongoing derision.
Details about the Tush Push Ban Vote
The vote exposed deep cleavages among NFL clubs. Fortified in part by their 2024 playoff loss to the Eagles, the Packers tweaked their proposal to restore pre-2005 prohibitions on any help to a ball carrier, in effect targeting the tush push and analogous plays. Those in favor, such as Packers GM Brian Gutekunst and Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, contended the play was dangerous and interfered with competitive balance.
However, NFL injury data presented at the meeting indicated no appreciable increase in injuries related to the tush push, weakening the safety rationale. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and owner Jeffrey Lurie addressed the meeting in support of the play as a safe, skill-based strategy that is a reward for planning and execution, a position likely helped by Kelce's endorsement. Schefter's 9-10 teams voting against the ban report demonstrates a considerable number of owners on the side of strategic innovation. With a minimum of 22 teams said to be available for the ban, the vote reflects a longstanding league divide, weighing concerns about aesthetics and equity against the benefit of innovative play design.
What is the Tush Push?
The tush push is a more complicated variation of the quarterback sneak, which was mastered by the Eagles. In short-yardage or goal-line situations, the snap is under center to Jalen Hurts, and he pushes ahead, with two or three teammates—usually offensive linemen or a running back—behind him pushing. The concerted effort typically results in first downs or touchdowns. In 2022 and 2023, the Eagles were successful with the play at a clip of 86%, far better than the 76% league average for quarterback sneaks. Other teams, including the Buffalo Bills, have followed with similar strategies, but none are as precise as Philadelphia's, fueled by Hurts' rare strength, a stout offensive line, and detailed coaching. Critics, like Packers CEO Mark Murphy, call the play unskillful and liken it to a rugby scrum, but its proponents, like Colts GM Chris Ballard, laud its strategic creativity and athleticism.
The ruling in favor of the tush push cements its place in the NFL for the 2025 season, much to the advantage of the Eagles and their fans. But with numerous clubs supporting a ban and NFL medical personnel citing possible injury risks, the play's long-term prospects after this season are in doubt. The opposition said they might revisit the matter at upcoming meetings. For now, Philadelphia can keep using their signature play in defending its Super Bowl championship, as the league struggles to balance innovation, safety, and competitive fairness. The tush push remains a tradition of strategic development in professional football.
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