The NFL’s most controversial short-yardage play is once again under fire — and Howie Roseman isn’t backing down. The Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager has become one of the most vocal defenders of the “Tush Push,” the QB sneak variation the team has mastered behind quarterback Jalen Hurts. As the NFL prepares to revisit the legality of the play later this month, Roseman showed he has no patience for the critics.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman Defends Tush Push — and Its Unmatched Execution
In a May 1 appearance on SiriusXM’s “Rise and Schein” on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Roseman got noticeably worked up when asked about a potential ban. It’s not just a football issue to him — it’s a philosophical one, too. And he’s far from convinced that outlawing the play would be a move rooted in fairness. With league meetings scheduled for May 20-21, the clock is ticking for both sides to make their case.
“You don’t want to fire me up right now, please. You’re stoking the flames,” Roseman said when host Adam Schein broached the subject of the Tush Push, a moment that underscored just how personal the debate has become in Philadelphia.
“If this play was an easy play to do, everyone would be running it.”#Eagles GM Howie Roseman shares his strong opinion on a potential ‘Tush Push’ ban to @AdamSchein.
🔗 https://t.co/jP0HFpFutU pic.twitter.com/Rb4V7YpXjr
— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) May 1, 2025
The Eagles have turned the play into a near-automatic first down, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. But what they see as a legitimate competitive advantage, others view as a loophole in the game. “This is an issue that will be discussed, certainly, as it was in the league meetings in March. It’ll be in the league meetings again in May,” Roseman said, signaling the team is prepared to keep making its case.
In the wake of the vote’s postponement, PFSN NFL analyst Sterling Xie took a deep dive into whether the Tush Push is unstoppable.
Critics argue that the play is dangerous and unattractive — a brute-force rugby scrum that undermines the game’s aesthetics. Commissioner Roger Goodell, according to multiple reports, is one of those critics. “Roger Goodell does not like the play,” Dianna Russini said on her “Scoop City” podcast. “He thinks it’s ugly. He doesn’t think it’s a football play.” Russini believes the play “is in trouble.”
But Roseman isn’t buying the narrative that it’s the play itself that’s the issue — it’s the Eagles’ execution. “We have a very strong feel and position for that play and the success of that play. Obviously, if this play was an easy play to do, everyone would be running it,” he pointed out.
Like most things in life, some agree, some don’t. So far, 16 teams — including the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers — have shown support for banning the play. A rule change requires 24 of 32 owners to vote yes.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter believes Goodell is working behind the scenes to eliminate the play. “[Roger Goodell] is going to massage it and he’s going to work the owners, and he’s going to get the votes he needs,” Schefter said. “He works for the owners, and his job is to represent what he feels is best for the league. I’m just telling you, I don’t think he wants the play in there.”
Until then, the Eagles — and Roseman — are bracing for a showdown.