There has been growing discussion at the NFL Scouting Combine about the possibility of banning the quarterback sneak play popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, known as the “tush-push” or “Brotherly Shove.” This play involves two players standing behind the quarterback and pushing him forward to gain yards in short-yardage situations. The NFL received a proposal to ban the play from a team that was not initially identified, but NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero later reported that the Green Bay Packers had proposed the idea.
Photo Cred: Getty Images
Brian Gutekunst, the Packers’ general manager, said on Tuesday that while there haven’t been many discussions about the proposal, he is aware of it. Although many teams do not use this evolved form of the quarterback sneak, it has proven highly effective for the Eagles. In fact, Jalen Hurts tied for fifth in the league with 14 rushing touchdowns in 2024, further highlighting the play’s success. However, justifying the potential ban of the “tush push” could prove challenging.
NFL EVP of Football Operations Troy Vincent stated that there were no reported injuries resulting from the play during the 2024 season, a conclusion based on data gathered after the Health and Safety Committee expressed concerns over the play’s safety. This is not the first time the “Brotherly Shove” has been discussed within the NFL’s Competition Committee and its annual consideration of proposals.
Photo Cred: Sports Illustrated/ NFL Network
Three years ago, when the “hip-drop” tackle—now banned as of last season—was proposed, the tush push was brought up in the same conversation. Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni weighed in on the recent debate, calling the narrative around the quarterback sneak unfair and insulting. He argued that the play’s success for the Eagles shouldn’t be viewed as automatic, and he emphasized that it’s the result of extensive practice, from the snap to the execution of the entire play.
Sirianni stressed the hard work his team puts in to perfect it, rather than how it’s often portrayed as a simple or automatic play. In addition to Sirianni’s comments, multiple NFL coaches have voiced their opinions on the “Brotherly Shove.” Notably, Atlanta Falcons’ Raheem Morris and Buffalo Bills’ Sean McDermott have both expressed concerns about the play’s potential safety risks and indicated they would support a ban. According to Troy Vincent, the tush push will be discussed in detail when the NFL Competition Committee meets during the Annual League Meeting on March 30.
