Will the NFL Ban the Tush Push in 2025? Latest Updates on the Controversial Play
By Jason Bolton June 17, 2025 09:36
The NFL's ongoing debate over banning the "Tush Push" play has reached a pivotal moment in 2025, but the controversial play remains legal for now. The "Tush Push," a modernized quarterback sneak where two players push the quarterback forward for short-yardage gains, has become a hallmark of the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and a few other teams, notably the Buffalo Bills.
The Green Bay Packers spearheaded the movement to ban the play, submitting a revised proposal ahead of the NFL owners' vote during the league meetings in Minnesota. Their updated language broadly prohibits offensive players from pushing or pulling the ball carrier anywhere on the field, except by individually blocking opponents. This revision removed the earlier restriction that assistance could only occur "immediately at the snap," making the rule more comprehensive.
Packers president Mark Murphy expressed his stance clearly: "There is no skill involved and it is almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less. I would like to see the league prohibit pushing or aiding the runner on this play." Packers GM Brian Gutekunst also cited player safety concerns, although the NFL noted no recorded injuries from the play during the 2024 season.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has been a vocal advocate for banning the Tush Push, despite his team being one of the most frequent users after the Eagles. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris also supports the ban, stating the play "should have been illegal three years ago".
The proposal, officially titled 2025 Playing Rule Proposal No. 5A, aims to amend Rule 12, Section 1, Article 4, banning pushing, pulling, lifting the runner, or any assistance other than individual blocking. The penalty for violations would be a 10-yard loss.
Despite the strong push from 16 teams, the vote fell short at the May 21 league meeting. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the final tally was 22 votes in favor and 10 against, but 24 votes were required to enact the ban. Schefter noted, "The play remains alive. There will be more Tush Pushes this season".
This outcome means the Tush Push will continue to be a strategic weapon in the NFL, especially for teams like the Eagles that have perfected it. The debate underscores a tension between preserving traditional skill elements and concerns about player safety and game fairness.
In summary, while the NFL considered a comprehensive ban on the Tush Push in 2025, the proposal did not secure enough votes to pass. The Packers and other proponents remain committed to revisiting the issue, but for now, the play remains legal and will continue to shape short-yardage situations in the upcoming season
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