In the offseason, the “tush push” narrowly survived a vote, with 22 NFL teams wanting to eliminate it. Now, even former NFL executive Dean Blandino has joined the criticism. During the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl LIX rematch, he declared, “I am done with the tush push, guys. This is a hard play to officiate.”
Last week, we discussed whether teams will push to ban this play again. Key factors include real injury data and whether current NFL leaders are tired of it. If they are, Commissioner Roger Goodell might need to persuade a couple of teams to switch votes. If he can keep the opposition from changing sides, the tush push could be out by 2026.
The effectiveness of the play could still be a game-changer in 2025. In just two games this season, it’s proven to be quite effective. Back in May, nearly 69% of teams wanted to see it banned. If the required 75% rating was just two-thirds, it would already be gone.
Concerns range from safety to aesthetics—many believe it just doesn’t fit the spirit of football. If the Eagles continue to use it successfully, even teams that initially voted against it might rethink their stance.
Recent statistics show that in 2021 alone, there were over 50 injuries related to tackles. This trend could fuel further debates about the safety of such plays. Keeping player safety in check is crucial, and if injuries spike, public opinion might shift sharply.
As conversations grow, the NFL’s future might hinge on how well they balance exciting plays with player safety. The tussle over the tush push is just one example of the challenges the league faces in evolving its rules while maintaining the game’s essence.
For more insights on the NFL’s rule changes, you can check out this NFL report for up-to-date information.
