Lane Johnson and the Philadelphia Eagles are once again at the center of one of the NFL’s most polarizing debates — the infamous “Tush Push.”
With the play continuing to stir controversy across the league, the Eagles’ veteran offensive tackle had a pointed message for the critics. In a post, Johnson addressed the growing frustration from opposing teams with a defiant mic-drop: “Hate us cause they ain’t us!”
The now-iconic quarterback sneak variation — which sees Jalen Hurts pushed forward by his teammates for short-yardage conversions — has become a staple of the Eagles’ offense. It’s nearly unstoppable, with Philadelphia converting the play at an absurdly high rate. But its effectiveness has sparked heated debate, with some coaches and fans around the league calling for the NFL to ban or restrict the tactic.
Johnson, one of the key components on the line executing the play, made it clear that the Eagles aren’t apologizing for their success. His comment echoes the mindset of a team that has embraced its villain role in the eyes of rivals who can’t seem to find an answer for the power-driven push.
Whether it’s called the Tush Push or the Brotherly Shove, the result is the same — first downs and frustration for everyone else. And with Lane Johnson leading the charge, the Eagles don’t plan on backing down anytime soon.
If anything, the message is simple: adapt, innovate, or get left behind.
