As the NFL gears up for a crucial vote on the fate of the infamous “tush push,” the Green Bay Packers have taken a decisive step by submitting a revised rule proposal aimed at banning any form of pushing or pulling of the ball carrier across the field. This not only targets the signature move that has gained traction in recent seasons but also attempts to reshape a fundamental part of the game.
In a notable update to their proposal, the Packers have crafted new language that specifies, “offensive players cannot assist the runner except by individually blocking opponents for him.” This removes the phrase “immediately at the snap,” broadening the proposal to encompass more situations and players, making it a comprehensive ban that aligns with their goal of eliminating pushing plays entirely.
During the NFL owners’ meetings in April, the initial version of this proposal was set aside, prompting the league to revisit the topic in Minneapolis this week. The conversations surrounding this move are not just procedural; they reflect a larger debate on the balance of power in today’s game. The tush push, made famous by the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, involves a lineup behind the quarterback who literally push him forward against the defense. While it seemed gimmicky at first, statistics reveal its effectiveness: last season, it accounted for a mere 0.28% of all plays, but teams like the Eagles and the Buffalo Bills found substantial success with it, combining for 163 attempts over the last three seasons.
These two teams not only executed the play more frequently than any other, but also achieved an impressive 87% success rate when it came to scoring touchdowns or achieving first downs during these attempts. For contrast, the rest of the league managed a 71% success rate on similar pushes, making it clear why this tactic has caught fire and why the underlying tension around its legality has grown.
By broadening the rule, the Packers are attempting to garner wider support among team owners, ensuring that the proposal isn’t perceived as a targeted attack on just a couple of franchises. If successful, this move would return the league to regulations that were in place until 2005, shifting how offensive formations can utilize player-assisted maneuvers moving forward.
To see this proposal pass, the Packers require the approval of 24 of the league’s 32 owners. Recent reports suggest a divided sentiment among teams, with 16 favoring the Packers’ initiative and 16 opposed—a split that underscores the complexities behind rule changes in the NFL.
Expect a pivotal vote on this proposal in the coming days, alongside other key discussions, including changes to playoff seeding, onside kick rules, and even the potential for NFL players to participate in the 2028 Olympic flag football event. This week’s meetings may well reshape some of the fundamental strategies we see in the league today. As the tension rises, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what direction the league chooses to take.
