Packers propose to ban controversial ‘tush push’ play
It was reported earlier in the week that a team proposed to ban the controversial “tush push” play. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Monday, that the Green Bay Packers were the team pushing for the ban.
The NFL’s executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent revealed on Monday that a team had proposed a ban but did not disclose which team.
“We do have a club playing-rule proposal around the tush push,” Vincent said, via Mark Maske of the Washington Post. “It’s the way they deemed it, the tush push. … It’s on our agenda. The club proposal is, ‘We need to make some adjustments to that. Is that a viable football play?'”
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst later confirmed that his team presented the ban proposal.
“I know we’re not very successful against it, I know that. But to be honest with you, I have not put much thought into it. It’s been around for a while,” he said at the combine. “We’ve used it in different fashions with our tight end. I think there will be a lot of discussions about it. I’ve got to kind of look at some of the information as far as injury rates and things like that, but we’ll see.”
The concern from the Packers seems to be twofold. On the surface, the major concern is player safety. But considering Gutekunst’s comments, the competitive advantage of certain teams — namely the Eagles — who can effectively run the play, may also play a role in the ban proposal.
Luke Graham is a digital sports content co-op for 98.5 the Sports Hub. He is currently a sophomore at Northeastern University studying communications and media studies. Follow him on X @LukeGraham05. Read all his articles here.
