NFL's Tush Push Survives: Eagles and Bills Keep Their Winning Edge
The controversial "Tush Push" play is staying put in the NFL, and that's fantastic news for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills who've mastered this game-changing strategy. After the Green Bay Packers failed to ban the play last season, NFL competition committee co-chairman Rich McKay confirmed over the weekend that no new proposal is expected for the 2026 season.
"There's no team proposal that I've seen from it," McKay stated from the NFL combine. "So, I wouldn't envision it. But you never know."
A Play That Defines Champions
The Tush Push represents everything we love about innovative football strategy. This short-yardage powerhouse allows quarterbacks to get that crucial first down or touchdown by having teammates push them forward through the pile at the line of scrimmage. It's pure teamwork, pure determination, and pure results.
The Eagles and Bills have turned this play into an art form, utilizing it far more than other teams last season. While some critics complained after Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts appeared to fumble during a dominant 38-20 victory over the New York Giants, officials correctly ruled his forward progress was stopped before any turnover occurred.
Innovation Beats Opposition
The Packers' attempt to eliminate the play fell short of the required 24 votes, managing only 22-10 support at league meetings in May. Their proposal initially targeted quarterbacks but was amended to include all ball carriers, including tight ends and H-backs.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur admitted his team experimented with the play in 2023 before abandoning it. "Every team's built a little bit differently," LaFleur explained, questioning whether teams should subject their quarterbacks to potential hits in those situations.
But Eagles coach Nick Sirianni defended his team's mastery of the play with passion and pride. "I almost feel a little insulted because we work so hard at that play," Sirianni said at last year's combine. "The amount of things that we've looked into how to coach that play, the fundamentals. There's a thousand plays out there, but it comes down to how you teach the fundamentals."
The Future Looks Bright
The 2025 season saw an increase in Tush Push plays league-wide, proving that success breeds imitation. Teams are recognizing that in today's competitive NFL, you need every advantage you can get. The play's survival shows that innovation and strategic thinking still have a place in professional football.
While some around the league may be tired of watching the Eagles and Bills dominate with this strategy, there clearly isn't enough support for another ban proposal. That means fans can continue enjoying this exciting, high-energy play that perfectly embodies the spirit of modern football.