The Philadelphia Eagles have been using the 'tush push' play for a number of years, with Jalen Hurts scoring 31 touchdowns and recording 98 first downs while using it
12:51 ET, 17 Oct 2025
Micah Parsons is not a fan of the Eagles' signature scoring play after four years with the rival Cowboys
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Micah Parsons is not a fan of the Eagles' signature scoring play after four years with the rival Cowboys(Image: Cooper Neill, Getty Images)
Micah Parsons has declared the Philadelphia Eagles' 'tush push' play is 'not football,' making it obvious that he's among those who want the controversial tactic banned.
The NFL and its owners conducted a vote this offseason on whether the 'tush push' would remain legal for teams to use or if it should be classified as an illegal maneuver. The strategy has become a signature move for the Eagles in recent seasons, with Jalen Hurts notching 31 touchdowns and securing 98 first downs while executing it.
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The team also deployed it during their playoff campaign and Super Bowl victory where they beat the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Shockingly, franchises voted to retain the play instead of prohibiting it, with the Eagles continuing to deploy it in short-yardage scenarios to their benefit.
One defensive star who has faced the tush push is Parsons, who has been vocal about his displeasure with the play.
He recently posted on social media: "It's not football," before expanding on his remarks this week.
Eagles tush push
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The Tush Push made an appearance in Philadelphia's Super Bowl victory
He informed reporters: "You ask the Eagles offensive players, probably say that's the best thing we're doing on offense right now. It's the most consistent thing they got, but that might come and bite me one day.
"It is what it is. I hate that play, you can't stop it if they're leaving early."
The maneuver involves the Eagles positioning seven players tight on the line of scrimmage and four in the backfield while trying to shove the defensive line backward to gain one or two yards, resembling a rugby-style scrum. Hurts takes the snap under center and immediately lunges forward with the offensive linemen and blockers going low to extend the ball over the line for a first down or a touchdown.
This season, the Eagles have faced criticism for their use of the tush push with many raising concerns about an over reliance. It was used four straight times in their loss to the New York Giants.
Eagles offensive linemen have seemingly gotten away with multiple false starts, having moved the amount of bodies near the football before the snap, making it tough for officials to judge.
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In 2023, Parsons called the play a 'cheat code', stating: "The Eagles have the best offensive line in the game, so yes it's a cheat code, they're unstoppable at it, and they have a quarterback that squats 600."