Buffalo Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott Supports Ban on “Tush Push” Due to Player Safety Concerns
At the NFL Annual League Meeting on March 31, 2025, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed his support for the proposed ban on the “Tush Push” play for the 2025 season.
This maneuver, famously used effectively by the Philadelphia Eagles, involves players pushing the quarterback forward to gain yardage.
Although the Buffalo Bills have also utilized a similar variation called the “Shnowplow” with a high success rate in short-yardage situations, McDermott remains concerned about the potential injuries associated with this play. He emphasized that player health and safety are top priorities, and eliminating the “Tush Push” could help minimize the risk of serious injuries in the future.
However, this decision could impact the Bills themselves, as they have relied on this tactic in short-yardage situations. Data shows that the Bills have used quarterback Josh Allen for 40% of their short-yardage rush attempts, with an 87% success rate for their version of the “Tush Push.” Banning this maneuver could significantly reduce Buffalo’s advantage in these situations.
The proposal to ban the “Tush Push” is currently under review and, if approved, will affect all NFL teams moving forward.