The “Tush Push” debate is heating up again, but this time, the numbers speak louder than opinions. As NFL executives and coaches argue over whether the play should be banned, league data reveals a critical fact: Not a single player was injured on a tush push play in 2024.
With teams like the Philadelphia Eagles perfecting the strategy, critics claim it poses an injury risk and lacks skill. But is that really the case? Let’s break it down.
No Injuries Reported On The Tush Push
Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, confirmed that no players suffered injuries on the tush push during the 2024 season. Despite claims from some coaches and executives about its supposed danger, the league’s official data contradicts those assertions.
Green Bay’s general manager Brian Gutekunst initially expressed concerns over injury rates, admitting he hadn’t given the play much thought. “I know we’re not very successful against it. I know that. To be honest about it, I haven’t really put much thought into it,” he stated. He acknowledged that discussions about injury rates were necessary but didn’t provide evidence of any actual injuries.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni dismissed the injury concerns, calling them exaggerated. “I think that’s a little made up, to be honest,” Sirianni said. “Now, the numbers will tell the truth, but I don’t think there were many injuries with it this year.”
Why The Push For A Ban?
Despite the lack of injuries, some teams still want the tush push banned. The Green Bay Packers reportedly proposed the ban to the NFL competition committee, and Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott stated outright that he supports outlawing the play due to its “always” existing injury risk.
An NFC team that lost to the Eagles in the playoffs also supported a ban, arguing that “there is no skill involved.” However, critics of the ban point out that the Eagles’ success with the play is due to execution, not just brute force.
How The Tush Push Works
The quarterback gains a short-yardage conversion as teammates push him forward in the tush push, which resembles a rugby scrum. The Eagles have dominated with this play, using their powerful offensive line and quarterback Jalen Hurts’ strength to gain crucial yards.
Philadelphia executed the tush push 48 times in 2024, converting 39 of them into first downs or touchdowns, an astonishing success rate. Even when they failed, they almost always converted on the next play.
The main secret to the Eagles’ effectiveness lies in their players. Hurts, who can squat 600 pounds, pushes behind left tackle Jordan Mailata (365 pounds) and left guard Landon Dickerson (332 pounds). Add center Cam Jurgens (303 pounds), and that’s nearly 1,000 pounds of force, creating a near-unstoppable push.
Other Teams And The NFL’s Stance
The Eagles aren’t the only team running quarterback sneaks effectively. The Buffalo Bills converted 29 of 37 attempts (78.4%), while the Cleveland Browns had a 91.7% success rate (11 of 12). The Green Bay Packers were even perfect at 8 of 8.
The league made a minor rule adjustment this season, requiring players pushing the quarterback to stand at least one yard behind him at the snap. However, despite continued discussions, the NFL has not moved to ban the play outright.
