What’s been the Philadelphia Eagles’ most unstoppable weapon suddenly became the NFL’s most controversial headline. The moment, which came in the first half of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, left both fans and analysts stunned.
Social media erupted almost instantly, with “Tush Push” and “Hurts fumble” trending within minutes. What was once seen as a near-guaranteed conversion suddenly became Exhibit A for those arguing the play has gone too far — or perhaps, finally met its match.
In a horrible call, Eagles’ Jalen Hurts is ruled down after fumbling on a tush push.
Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts ruled down on "Tush Push" against the New York Giants - Via NFL on FOX
Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts ruled down on “Tush Push” against the New York Giants – Via NFL on FOX
Social media erupted after this play was ruled dead:
You can’t possibly call this forward progress and call the play dead. You just can’t.
He’s literally getting pushed. The point of the TUSH PUSH.
Everything about how this is being officiated is rough.pic.twitter.com/121n8uO815
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 26, 2025
The “Tush Push,” sometimes called the “Brotherly Shove,” involves teammates lining up behind the quarterback and physically pushing him forward after the snap to gain short yardage. It’s a simple but brutally effective strategy — one the Eagles have executed better than any other team in the league.
Since the start of the 2023 season, Philadelphia has converted the play at an estimated 92% success rate, turning third-and-one and goal-line situations into near-certainties. Other teams have tried to replicate it with limited success.
Why It’s So Controversial
Critics argue the play gives an unfair advantage by turning football into a rugby-style scrum, minimizing skill in favor of raw strength and leverage.
The NFL Competition Committee has debated banning the play multiple times, but each proposal has fallen short. League officials have cited a lack of evidence that the play increases injury risk, though defenders claim it’s nearly impossible to stop without “diving at knees or ankles” — tactics that raise their own safety concerns.
Many think this will be the last year the Tush Push is allowed.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) lines up for the tush push play on the goal line against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) lines up for the tush push play on the goal line against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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