‘Tush push’ ban gains steam among coaches, executives at NFL meetings

February’s Super Bowl may have been the curtain call for the Philadelphia Eagles’ “tush push” or “brotherly shove” style of quarterback sneak. A proposal to ban the play is gaining steam at the NFL owners’ meetings this week.

The Green Bay Packers officially proposed the rule, which would prohibit offensive players from lining up behind the quarterback and pushing them toward the line of scrimmage. The Eagles use the strategy more often (and more successfully) than any other team in the league.

But Green Bay’s proposal is gaining popularity, with several coaches and executives supporting it.

“We don’t allow linebackers to push the defensive lineman on extra points. We’re trying to be consistent,” said Stephen Jones, co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys and co-chairman of the NFL’s competition committee. “These quarterbacks would be wildly successful whether you’re pushed or not.”

There haven’t been many injuries related to the Eagles’ controversial sneaks, but Bills coach Sean McDermott said it may be a matter of sample size. It’s better to be safe than sorry, he explained.

“There’s other data out there that when you’re in a posture like we’re talking about, that can lead to serious injury,” he said Monday morning. “I think being responsible and proactive in that regard is the right way to go.”

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid counts himself in the same camp.

“Listen, if it’s an injury concern, then that’s what you have to do,” he said. “So, you listen to your medical people, see what their thought is, and probably go that direction.”

Some fans and coaches are divided, though. The proposal appears to target the Eagles almost exclusively. Quarterback Jalen Hurts runs the play more often — and more successfully — than any other passer in the league.

“It’s tough to punish a team for being really good at something,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Representatives from the NFL’s 32 franchises will vote on Green Bay’s proposal this week. If 24 of them agree, the Eagles will have to find a new strategy in short-yardage situations.