Former Eagles center Jason Kelce recently shared his thoughts on the notorious "tush push" play, expressing that it’s tough for centers like him. He even joked about his frustration when the play was called, saying he’d often exclaim, “Fuck my life!” Yet, he has never argued that the play should be banned.
Recently, a claim surfaced that Kelce’s heavy workload from the tush push was a factor in his retirement. Bills owner Terry Pegula mentioned this at a league meeting, which caught Kelce’s attention. He quickly took to social media to clarify, stating his words were misunderstood. He asserted he never called the play dangerous but agreed it is indeed grueling. He even offered to testify about it if needed.
Mark Murphy, the Packers President, also brought up Kelce’s comments in support of a proposed rule to restrict the tush push. Murphy claimed Kelce expressed relief at not being part of the play anymore, suggesting it was "pretty dangerous." In contrast, Kelce maintains that while the tush push is physically demanding, it doesn’t significantly increase injury risks.
This debate takes place against a backdrop of changing attitudes in the NFL. In recent years, the league has pushed for greater player safety, which has altered the landscape of how the game is played. Injuries have a substantial impact on player careers, with statistics indicating that up to 40% of NFL players suffer injuries every season. Notably, research shows that offensive linemen face higher rates of injuries due to the intense physical demands of plays like the tush push.
As discussions continue about possibly banning pushes in football, Kelce’s experiences will likely shape the conversation. He stands firm that the play, despite its demanding nature, does not pose a heightened injury risk. It adds an interesting perspective to the ongoing debate about player safety in a sport that constantly evolves to address these challenges.
For more insights on player safety in the NFL, check out this recent report by ESPN.
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