NFL Owners Table Vote to Ban the “Tush-Push” Play—For Now

The highly debated “tush-push” play will remain legal—for now. According to NFL insider Ari Meirov, league owners fell short of the 24 votes required to officially ban the quarterback sneak-style play that’s been a staple of short-yardage dominance, particularly by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Rather than proceed with a formal vote and reveal the lack of support, NFL owners opted to table the proposal for future discussions. The next opportunity to revisit the rule change is scheduled for May.

The play, often executed with brutal efficiency by teams using strong offensive lines and powerful quarterbacks, has stirred controversy around its fairness and player safety. Supporters argue it’s a legal, strategic tactic that rewards physicality and coordination. Critics, however, contend it gives an unfair advantage, distorting the spirit of competitive balance.

For now, the “tush-push” survives another round of scrutiny. But make no mistake—this conversation is far from over. As long as the play remains effective, and as long as defenses struggle to stop it, the debate will continue to stir tension among teams, fans, and league officials alike.