Packers coach Matt Lefleur explains why he and the Packers have made the proposal to ban the Eagles Tush Push play. It could be voted on today and opinions are split on whether to keep the play in the NFL.

Packers coach Matt Lefleur explains why he and the Packers have made the proposal to ban the Eagles Tush Push play. It could be voted on today and opinions are split on whether to keep the play in the NFL.

**Packers Coach Matt LaFleur Explains Why He and the Packers Have Proposed a Ban on the Eagles’ Tush Push Play: Vote Could Happen Today, Opinions Divided on the Future of the Play in the NFL**

*April 2025 – A Controversial Proposal Hits the NFL*

In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL community, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has come forward to explain why his team has formally proposed banning the highly controversial “Tush Push” play, a strategy made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles. The proposal is expected to be voted on in a meeting today, and opinions remain split on whether the play should continue to be allowed in the NFL.

The “Tush Push” is a quarterback sneak play in which the quarterback is pushed by their offensive line and/or other players to gain extra yardage, typically on short-yardage situations like 3rd-and-1. The Eagles, under head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts, have perfected this play, using it to great success and with remarkable consistency. However, the play has raised concerns among some teams and coaches for its potential to create an unfair advantage and its physical risks.

### **Matt LaFleur’s Argument for the Ban**

Matt LaFleur, known for his offensive acumen and his ability to adapt in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, explained his reasoning behind supporting the proposal to ban the Tush Push in a recent press conference. According to LaFleur, the play presents a significant safety risk, especially in a league already grappling with concerns about player safety and the long-term impact of injuries.

*”The Tush Push, in its current form, is an extremely dangerous play,”* LaFleur said. *”We’ve seen more and more instances where players are being exposed to unnecessary risks because of the way the play is executed. The pile-up can cause injuries, and it’s a situation that doesn’t require the same level of skill or strategy as other plays. It’s not something you typically see in other facets of the game, and I think it’s something we should strongly consider removing from the game.”*

LaFleur’s concerns echo those voiced by other coaches who argue that the play relies more on brute force than strategy and that it could ultimately lead to more injuries, particularly to players who are involved in the pile at the line of scrimmage.

### **The Evolution of the “Tush Push”**

The “Tush Push” gained significant attention during the 2022 and 2023 seasons as the Eagles turned it into one of the most effective and dominant short-yardage plays in the NFL. Led by Hurts’ physicality and the power of the Eagles’ offensive line, the play became nearly unstoppable. The Eagles’ success with the play has sparked a debate on whether it should remain legal, with some arguing that the NFL is changing its rules to level the playing field.

While the play has been incredibly effective for the Eagles, its rapid success has led to discussions on its fairness and safety. Supporters of the play argue that it’s simply an evolution of the quarterback sneak and that teams should be allowed to use any strategy at their disposal within the rules of the game. Proponents point out that other teams have the same opportunity to execute the play, and banning it would effectively reward teams that are unable to stop it.

### **Opposing Views: Should the Play Be Banned?**

As LaFleur and the Packers push for the ban, there are significant voices on the other side who believe the Tush Push should remain a part of the game. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, as well as several of his players, have been vocal in defending the play, arguing that it is simply part of football strategy.

*”It’s a legal play, and we’re executing it well,”* said Sirianni. *”Other teams have the same ability to use it. The issue isn’t the play itself; it’s about defending it. We don’t want to see the game turned into something that’s devoid of innovation or strategy.”*

Other coaches also believe that removing the play could diminish the creativity of the sport. They argue that the Tush Push, like other unconventional plays in football, is a testament to the evolving nature of the game, and its success should be seen as a challenge for the defense rather than something to be legislated out.

However, there are many who agree with LaFleur’s perspective, including former players and analysts who believe that the play creates a dangerous environment, particularly when defenders are thrown into the pile. The physicality of the Tush Push puts players in a vulnerable position, potentially leading to injuries that could have long-term consequences.

### **What’s Next?**

With the proposal to ban the Tush Push now on the table, NFL owners and coaches will meet today to vote on the issue. If passed, the rule change would likely take effect for the upcoming season, making it illegal for quarterbacks to use the Tush Push in short-yardage situations.

However, the outcome is far from certain. The vote is expected to be closely contested, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Some owners may be hesitant to change the game’s strategy based on one play, while others may see it as a necessary step to protect players and maintain fairness across the league.

### **A Divided League**

As the NFL debates the future of the Tush Push, it’s clear that the league is at a crossroads. The play, once considered a simple but effective strategy, has now become a focal point for discussions on fairness, safety, and the direction of the sport. Whether or not the Tush Push is banned, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation in the NFL.

In the coming hours, the NFL’s owners and coaches will make a decision that could reshape how short-yardage plays are executed in the future. Stay tuned for updates on the vote and the fate of the Tush Push in the NFL.