The Tush Push has been the Philadelphia Eagles’ go-to call on third/fourth-and-short situations for the past few years, and it has been successful at an incredible rate. A group of offensive players will stand behind the quarterback, and once the ball is snapped, they push the ball carrier ahead a few yards, enough to get the first down.
However, it has become one of the most controversial strategies in recent weeks, and some teams have pushed for it to be banned. However, former Super Bowl champion Richard Sherman doesn’t approve of such a move.
Richard Sherman Doesn’t Agree With Banning the Tush Push
The Tush Push was brought to the Eagles by head coach Nick Sirianni when he was hired in 2021, and longtime Eagles center Jason Kelce and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jalen Hurts are credited with perfecting it.
The controversy stems from how unstoppable it has proven to be. The Eagles have been successful over 80% of the time in each of the last three seasons, including in Super Bowl 59, when they used it to score their first touchdown of the game in their eventual win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The play’s effectiveness has led some teams to call for its ban. Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris was vehement in his opposition to the play, stating, “It should’ve been illegal three years ago,” while the Green Bay Packers recently proposed a ban of the Tush Push to the NFL Competition Committee.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on March 28 that “momentum around banning the tush push is growing” in the NFL, drawing a reaction from Sherman, a five-time Pro Bowl cornerback.
“Banning the ‘tush’ push? 🤔 Not sure I agree with that. I really like the replay officials being able to pick up the flag on bad calls though,” he posted on X.
Banning the “tush” push? 🤔 Not sure I agree with that. I really like the replay officials being able to pick up the flag on bad calls though.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 28, 2025
While Sherman is opposed to banning the Tush Push, he does seem to be on board with expanding replay rules for officials. He agreed with a fan’s suggestion of instant replays.
“I would like to see the instant replay revamped so that the plays being reviewed have to be played in normal time. Reviewers see it at the same speed the field refs did. No slo mo frame by frame,” the fan suggested.
“That would be phenomenal. I’m sure the opinions would change on it,” Sherman replied.
That would be phenomenal. I’m sure the opinions would change on it
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 28, 2025
As of now, the play remains legal, with a slight modification requiring players who are pushing the quarterback to stand at least one yard behind him, a tweak made before the 2024 season.
Without question, the Eagles’ mastery of the “Tush Push” is not just a game-changing play; it’s league-changing. As debates continue to rage about its future, one thing is sure: the Tush Push has left an indelible mark on football.