The Philadelphia Eagles’ infamous “Tush Push” has become the NFL’s most polarizing play—a nearly unstoppable short-yardage tactic that’s sparked admiration, frustration, and now, a formal push to outlaw it. Leading the charge? None other than Aaron Rodgers’ former squad, who’ve reportedly submitted a proposal to ban the maneuver ahead of the 2025 season.
As debates over fairness and safety reignite, the Eagles’ signature play faces its toughest opponent yet: the league’s rulebook.
Aaron Rodgers’ former team lead charge against the “Brotherly Shove”
Dubbed the “Brotherly Shove” by Eagles fans, the play involves quarterback Jalen Hurts lining up behind center Cam Jurgens, flanked by two teammates who literally push him forward through a wall of linemen. The result? A near-automatic first down or touchdown in goal-line situations, thanks to Philadelphia’s powerhouse offensive line and Hurts’ low-center-of-gravity prowess. While the Philadelphia Eagles have turned it into an art form, rivals like the Green Bay Packers argue it’s an unfair advantage—and they’re done staying quiet.
Packers president Mark Murphy minced no words recently, calling the tactic “almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less.” His frustration isn’t unfounded. The Packers fell to the Eagles in this year’s playoffs, a game where Philadelphia later used the play to score the opening touchdown of their Super Bowl LIX victory. For Murphy, the proposal isn’t just about strategy—it’s about leveling a playing field he believes the Eagles have tilted.
Why the Tush Push triggers outrage
The play’s effectiveness is undeniable. Since 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles have converted over 90% of their attempts using the Tush Push, a statistic that dwarfs other teams’ attempts. Washington Commanders’ comical struggles to stop it during the NFC Championship Game only highlighted its dominance. But critics claim it’s more than just skill—it’s a safety hazard. The mass pileups it creates, they argue, increase injury risks for both offensive and defensive players.
NFL executive Troy Vincent confirmed the Packers’ proposal this week, though details remain scarce. Last offseason, the competition committee debated banning the play but opted against it. This time, Green Bay’s push could force a league-wide vote, requiring approval from 24 team owners to pass. Yet, not everyone’s on board. Rich McKay, committee chairman, noted the topic didn’t even surface in recent meetings, suggesting resistance to change.
A battle of innovation vs. tradition
The Philadelphia Eagles’ mastery of the Tush Push underscores a larger NFL tension: innovation versus tradition. Philadelphia’s coaching staff has weaponized creativity, turning a simple QB sneak into a strategic masterpiece. But as Packers fans gripe, “If you can’t beat ’em, ban ’em,” the league faces a dilemma. Is the play truly a loophole, or just smart football?
For now, the Eagles remain unfazed. As Hurts told reporters earlier this year, “They can try to stop it, but until they do, we’ll keep pushing.” Whether that push lasts beyond 2025, though, depends on how hard the Packers—and the NFL—push back.