The Green Bay Packers have proposed a rule change to the NFL’s competition committee seeking to prohibit the “tush push,” according to league sources on Monday.
Also known as the “Brotherly Shove,” the play is a designed quarterback run primarily utilized by the Philadelphia Eagles in short-yardage situations. It typically features Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts taking the snap under center and surging forward with the help of teammates pushing from behind.Philadelphia has been using this tactic for several seasons, dating back to Doug Pederson’s tenure as head coach (2016-2020) when Carson Wentz was at quarterback. The play has sparked debate across the league and was previously reviewed by the competition committee ahead of the 2023 season, though no vote was held at the time.
In December 2023, NFL executive vice president of communications Jeff Miller stated that the league’s study did not find any significant evidence of increased injury risk associated with the play.
The strategy has proven highly effective for the Eagles. They finished last season with a 70.4% fourth-down conversion rate—the fourth-best in the NFL—and tied for second in rushing touchdowns with 29, in part due to this play. Hurts led all quarterbacks with 14 rushing touchdowns, 13 of which came in goal-to-go situations, according to TruMedia.
Jason Kelce, the former Eagles center and a key figure in executing the play, stated before his retirement in March 2024 that if the push is banned, the Eagles will adapt and find other legal methods to gain short-yardage advantages.
Regardless of the rule change, Philadelphia has been among the league’s most efficient teams in short-yardage situations over the past three seasons, converting 73.9% of such attempts. Only the Baltimore Ravens (75.9%) and Pittsburgh Steelers (75.4%) have been more successful.