The Green Bay Packers were the NFL team leading the charge to formally ban the divisive “tush push” play this offseason. However, their tabled proposal has now officially failed to pass, with only 22 of the 24 required support votes from other NFL teams. To the disgust of many and the delight of many others, the failure of the tush push ban is stirring quite a reaction online, including from former players.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) prepares to take the snap before running in for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) prepares to take the snap before running in for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Green Bay Packers’ Tush Push Ban Proposal Fails
After its surge in notoriety in 2022, the Philadelphia Eagles have been often criticized for heavily relying on the tush push to ultra-effectively pick up first downs and touchdowns in short-yardage situations. Both fans and NFL front offices have been critical of the play, and in February, the Green Bay Packers were the team to formally initiate talks to ban the play that involves Eagles players shoving their QB Jalen Hurts forward while the offensive line uses rugby-style techniques to allow the ball-carrier to easily pick up one or more yards.
Tush Push, Philadelphia Eagles
Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) picks up yardage a first down with a push from wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) and tight end Dallas Goedert (88) against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Naturally, the proposal sparked a resurgence in the debate between the play’s supporters and detractors. Eagles fans in particular defend the play as something other NFL teams need to learn to stop instead of banning it. While plenty of other NFL teams have tried to run the play themselves, Philadelphia has been the only squad capable of using it to the effectiveness that has drawn the ire of many.
The Buffalo Bills are another team that have drawn some flak for using it, with their own physical QB in Josh Allen.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is hoisted in the air by Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown (79) after Allen’s 6-yard touchdown.
The Packers’ proposal has now officially failed, two votes shy of garnering enough support. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on the teams that did not vote in favor of the ban.
NFL needed 24 votes today to ban the Tush Push, but got only 22. Here are the 10 teams that voted against the Tush Push ban, per sources:
🏈Eagles
🏈Ravens
🏈Browns
🏈Lions
🏈Jaguars
🏈Dolphins
🏈Patriots
🏈Saints
🏈Jets
🏈Titans
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2025
Former NFL Wide Receivers Julian Edelman and Torrey Smith React to the Tush Push Ban’s Failure
Two notable former NFL stars, wide receivers Julian Edelman and Torrey Smith, had some things to say after the ban’s rejection. Edelman has been on the side of not banning the play.
“I don’t like, fundamentally, we’re making a rule because people can’t stop it. I don’t like that.”
Edelman shared a meme regarding the meeting about the tush push proposal.
Jason Kelce at the Tush Push meeting pic.twitter.com/RqrrlgrVNQ
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) May 21, 2025
Smith found hilarity in Green Bay’s attempt and hoped that some form of karma will be served to the Packers this upcoming season. The two teams face off in November on Monday Night Football, a matchup that will no doubt include coverage of the tush push drama.
I hope they run it vs the Packers the entire game 😂 https://t.co/KxYFJAqTNg
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) May 21, 2025
Hurts and the Eagles will get to continue to reap the benefits of their ability to run the play so effectively.
Jalen Hurts, Packers, Eagles
Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles against Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) during the first half at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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