The Green Bay Packers have submitted a formal proposal to NFL owners that calls for the tush push to be banned, and their head coach is hoping the new rule passes.
The Packers last month submitted their proposal to ban the tush push, which is a play that has been made famous by Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. The language of the proposal calls for implementing a rule that would “prohibit an offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap.” The play would result in a 10-yard penalty.
On Tuesday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked for his opinion on the tush push. He said he would like to see it banned because he believes it is “more of a rugby play” and poses a threat to player safety.
Matt LaFleur stands on the sideline
Head coach Matt LaFleur during Green Bay Packers training camp at Ray Nitschke Field Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis. via Imagn Content Services, LLC
“When you look at the play, I would say I don’t think it’s a great football play. It’s more of a rugby play,” LaFleur told reporters. “And then some of the injury concerns, we just kind of want to get out in front of that and be a little bit more proactive.
“We do it, too, but we’re gonna adjust to whatever the rules may be. If it doesn’t go through, it doesn’t go through. We’re always constantly trying to look at everything. I think when you look at player safety, I think that’s at the forefront — or should be at the forefront — of everybody’s mind in this league.”
Matt LaFleur says the tush push isn’t a “great football play. It’s more of a rugby play.” Also has safety concerns.
His full answer on proposing the ban: pic.twitter.com/dBcLlWEW7N
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) April 1, 2025
With the way the proposal is written, the Eagles and other teams may still be able to run some variation of the tush push even if the ban passes. The question is how the NFL will define a player pushing a teammate “immediately after the snap.”
There has been no known evidence presented that would suggest the tush push is a dangerous play, though LaFleur seems to think players are more likely to get hurt when it is run.
In order for the tush push ban to pass, 24 of 32 owners would need to vote in favor of it at the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., this week. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has issued a warning to his former assistants ahead of the vote.