As the Green Bay Packers focus on their offseason plans, including improvements from quarterback Jordan Love and the potential for a Davante Adams reunion, team president Mark Murphy has made his stance clear on one issue: the “Tush Push” play.
Following the Packers’ playoff defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, Murphy voiced his strong opposition to the controversial rugby-style play, which has been widely debated across the NFL.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Murphy explained his frustration with the play’s lack of skill and its near-automatic success in short-yardage situations.
“I am not a fan of this play,” Murphy said. “There is no skill involved. And it is almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less.”
Murphy pointed to a particularly memorable moment in the NFC Championship Game, where the Washington Commanders attempted to stop the Eagles from scoring at the goal line using unusual tactics, including linebacker Frankie Luvu leaping over the line of scrimmage.
The referee threatened to award the Eagles an automatic touchdown if Washington’s actions continued, which Murphy found absurd.
“The series of plays with the Commanders jumping offsides in the NFC Championship game to try to stop the play was ridiculous,” Murphy wrote to a fan who asked about the sequence.
“The referee even threatened to give the Eagles an automatic touchdown if the Commanders did not stop it. I would like to see the league prohibit pushing or aiding the runner (quarterback) on this play.
“There used to be a rule prohibiting this. But (aiding the runner) is no longer enforced. It was thought to be too hard for the officials to see.”
Murphy also shared his belief that the play undermines the spirit of the game, especially considering the Eagles’ regular success with it.
Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni has proudly acknowledged the play’s effectiveness, but Murphy argued it goes against the tradition of football.
“The play is bad for the game,” Murphy said. “And we should go back to prohibiting the push of the runner. This would bring back the traditional QB sneak. That worked pretty well for Bart Starr and the Packers in the Ice Bowl.”
Murphy’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate over the play’s place in the league.
Although NFL executive Troy Vincent previously stated that the competition committee did not discuss the Tush Push, and no support for banning it emerged, Murphy’s position might reignite discussions about its future.
Notably, Vincent is a former Eagles player, which could potentially influence the league’s stance.
FOX officiating analyst Dean Blandino also weighed in on the issue back in 2023, advocating for a ban on the play, further suggesting that it’s time for the NFL to reconsider its rules regarding the controversial tactic.
As the offseason continues, it remains to be seen whether Murphy’s call for a ban will gain traction and prompt meaningful changes in the NFL.
For now, the Tush Push remains one of the most talked-about and divisive plays in the league. It’s safe to assume we’ll be seeing it a few more times on Super Bowl Sunday.
What are your thoughts on Murphy’s call to ban the Tush Push???
