A Green Bay Packers Complaint Could Strip the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts of Their Signature NFL Play

The NFL is no stranger to controversy, but a recent move by the Green Bay Packers has reignited a heated debate that could change the game forever. At the heart of this storm is the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature play, the “Tush Push” (also known as the “Brotherly Shove”), a devastatingly effective short-yardage strategy led by quarterback Jalen Hurts. This play has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ success, including their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2025. However, a formal complaint and rule change proposal from the Packers could cost Philadelphia their secret weapon, leaving fans and analysts wondering: Is this the end of an era?

What Is the Tush Push, and Why Does It Matter?

For those unfamiliar, the Tush Push is a modified quarterback sneak that has become synonymous with the Eagles’ offensive dominance. In this play, Jalen Hurts lines up under center, takes the snap, and surges forward while two or three teammates—often running backs or receivers—push him from behind. The result? A near-unstoppable force that consistently converts first downs and scores touchdowns in short-yardage situations. With Hurts’ exceptional leg strength (he famously squats over 600 pounds) and the Eagles’ perfectly synchronized execution, the play has a success rate that leaves defenses scrambling.

In the 2024 season, Philadelphia converted 76.5% of their Tush Push attempts, down slightly from 83.7% in 2023, but still far ahead of any other team attempting similar plays. During their Super Bowl run, Hurts used it to devastating effect, including scoring the first touchdown against the Chiefs in a 40-22 rout. It’s no wonder the Tush Push has become the Eagles’ not-so-secret weapon—and a source of frustration for opponents like the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers’ Complaint: A Push to Ban the Tush Push

On March 19, 2025, the NFL announced that the Green Bay Packers had submitted a formal proposal to ban the Tush Push ahead of the league’s annual meeting. The proposed rule change would prohibit offensive players from pushing a teammate who receives the snap directly behind the center, effectively outlawing the play as the Eagles run it. The Packers cite two main reasons: player safety and pace of play. They argue that the physicality of the play increases injury risk and slows down the game, turning football into something more akin to rugby.

This isn’t the first time the Tush Push has faced scrutiny. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly considered eliminating it as early as 2023, and the league’s competition committee reviewed it before the 2024 season without taking action. However, the Packers’ proposal marks the most concrete step yet toward banning it. Green Bay’s frustration likely stems from their own encounters with the Eagles, including a 34-29 loss in the season opener and a 22-10 defeat in the wild-card round of the playoffs—games where the Tush Push played a pivotal role.

Interestingly, the Packers aren’t above using the play themselves. In 2024, they went 5-for-5 on their own version, with tight end Tucker Kraft pushing from behind. They even succeeded twice against the Eagles in the playoffs. So why the push to ban it? Some see it as sour grapes from a team tired of being outmaneuvered by Philadelphia’s mastery of the strategy.

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ Response

The Eagles, unsurprisingly, aren’t taking this lying down. Head coach Nick Sirianni has been vocal about his frustration with the Packers’ proposal. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2025, Sirianni said, “I almost feel a little insulted by the notion that it’s an automatic play. There’s so much work that goes into it—it’s not unfair; it’s just good football.” He’s not wrong. The Tush Push’s success isn’t just about brute force; it’s a testament to Hurts’ athleticism, the offensive line’s cohesion, and meticulous preparation.

Jalen Hurts, the linchpin of the play, has remained relatively quiet on the issue, letting his performance speak for itself. With 54 rushing touchdowns in four seasons as the Eagles’ starter, many of them via the Tush Push, Hurts has proven its value time and again. Losing it could force Philadelphia to rethink their short-yardage game plan, potentially disrupting an offense that thrives on physicality and efficiency.

The NFL’s Dilemma: Innovation vs. Tradition

The debate over the Tush Push highlights a broader tension in the NFL: balancing innovation with tradition. On one hand, the play is legal under current rules, which allow pushing a ball carrier—a change made years ago that paved the way for Philadelphia’s creativity. Teams like the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens have their own versions, but none match the Eagles’ success. Critics argue that banning it punishes excellence rather than encouraging other teams to adapt or improve their defenses.

On the other hand, the Packers’ safety concerns aren’t baseless. The play’s physical nature puts strain on both offensive and defensive players, though the NFL’s own studies (as of December 2023) found no significant injury risk tied to it. Pace of play is a weaker argument—short-yardage situations are inherently slow, regardless of the play call. Still, the league has a history of tweaking rules for safety and entertainment, like the recent Dynamic Kickoff rule that reduced concussions in 2024.

What Happens Next?

The fate of the Tush Push will be decided at the NFL’s annual league meeting later in March 2025, where team owners will vote on the Packers’ proposal. For it to pass, it needs approval from 24 of the 32 teams—a tall order, given the play’s popularity and the Eagles’ recent Super Bowl win. If it fails, Philadelphia can continue shoving their way to victory. If it succeeds, the Eagles will need to innovate once more, a challenge they’ve met before under Sirianni and Hurts.

Former Eagles center Jason Kelce, who retired in March 2024, offered a pragmatic take: “If they ban it, we’ll find another way. Push or not, we’re still getting those yards.” With Hurts leading the charge and a talented roster around him—including new running back A.J. Dillon, signed from the Packers in free agency—the Eagles remain a force to be reckoned with.

The Bigger Picture: A Game in Flux

The Packers’ complaint is more than a petty rivalry jab; it’s a flashpoint in the NFL’s ongoing evolution. Will the league reward Philadelphia’s ingenuity or bow to Green Bay’s call for change? For now, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are preparing for the 2025 season, Tush Push or not. As of March 27, 2025, the play remains legal, but the clock is ticking on a decision that could reshape the NFC—and the entire NFL.

What do you think? Should the Tush Push stay, or is it time for the NFL to push back? Let us know in the comments below!