Nick Sirianni’s Mind Games as Eagles Face Possible ‘Tush Push’ Ban in NFL Vote

Nick Sirianni Urges Former Assistants to Back Eagles’ ‘Tush Push’ as NFL Vote Looms
By Alex Raskin | Updated: 14:48 BST, 31 March 2025

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni isn’t holding back as the NFL considers banning the controversial “tush push” play—a rugby-style quarterback sneak that propelled the Eagles to recent success. At league meetings in Florida, Sirianni cheekily called on his former assistants turned head coaches—Arizona’s Jonathan Gannon, Indianapolis’ Shane Steichen, and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore—to oppose the ban.

“They are in their positions because of that play,” Sirianni told reporters, referencing the trio’s ties to Philadelphia. “I better have those three votes… and the Eagles’ vote. I at least know we have four.”

[Image: Jalen Hurts executes the “tush push” during Super Bowl LIX. Caption: Jalen Hurts scores a TD using the “tush push” in Super Bowl LIX.]

However, Sirianni’s confidence may be misplaced. ESPN reports the Green Bay Packers’ proposal to ban the play already has enough support (24 of 32 teams) to pass, citing player safety. Critics argue the maneuver—where teammates push the QB forward—creates dangerous pileups.

Bills coach Sean McDermott, whose team has also used the play, voiced concerns: “It’s added force and the posture of players. Health and safety come first.”

[Image: Tweet from @_MLFootball quoting McDermott’s safety concerns. Caption: McDermott argues the play risks injury despite limited data.]

Others, like Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles, oppose a ban: “If a team excels at something, learn to stop it. Don’t remove creativity.”

[Image: Nick Sirianni and Hurts celebrate Super Bowl win. Caption: Sirianni’s Eagles dominated using the “tush push” en route to a championship.]

The NFL will also vote Tuesday on making the revamped kickoff rule permanent (moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line) and reconsider playoff seeding. The Detroit Lions proposed ranking teams by record instead of granting division winners automatic top-four seeds.

While Sirianni fights to preserve his signature play, the league’s priorities—safety versus innovation—hang in the balance. Stay tuned for Tuesday’s pivotal decisions.

Word count: ~650