Jason Kelce Defends ‘Tush Push’ at NFL League Meetings in Minnesota
The Philadelphia Eagles have sent one of their most respected voices to the NFL’s annual league meetings in Minnesota to defend one of the most controversial and talked-about plays in football — the “Tush Push.” Star center Jason Kelce, a future Hall of Famer and the emotional heartbeat of the Eagles, is acting as a key spokesperson in support of the play, which has become a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s short-yardage success.
Also known as the “Brotherly Shove,” the Tush Push involves the quarterback — typically Jalen Hurts — lining up under center and being physically pushed from behind by one or more teammates to gain a yard or two. The play, which many teams have tried to replicate with limited success, has been nearly unstoppable for the Eagles. Their execution, largely due to Kelce’s precise timing and power at the line of scrimmage, has sparked debate across the league about whether the play provides an unfair advantage or violates the spirit of the game.
While some owners and coaches have lobbied to ban the tactic, arguing it resembles a rugby scrum more than an NFL play, the Eagles remain staunch defenders of its legality and effectiveness. Kelce’s presence in Minnesota is no coincidence. As the anchor of the offensive line and a respected veteran, he carries both credibility and clout in league circles. According to team sources, Kelce is there to meet with officials and fellow team representatives, offering insight into the play’s technique, strategy, and safety.
“People think it’s a cheat code, but it’s really not,” Kelce reportedly told reporters on the sidelines of the meetings. “It takes a ton of coordination, strength, and execution. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.”
The NFL’s competition committee has taken a hard look at the play over the past two offseasons, but no formal rule changes have been adopted yet. The concern isn’t just competitive — some argue there’s an increased risk of injury due to the high-impact nature of players pushing and piling into one another in tight spaces. However, statistical evidence hasn’t shown the play to be more dangerous than a traditional quarterback sneak or short-yardage run.
Kelce, who retired from playing earlier this year but continues to work closely with the Eagles and remains a respected figure in NFL circles, is leveraging his status to push back against critics. His argument is simple: the play is legal, safe, and a testament to his team’s discipline and physicality — not a loophole in the rules.
With owners debating the play’s future, Kelce’s voice could prove to be a deciding factor. For now, the Eagles — and fans of old-school, smash-mouth football — are hoping that the Tush Push lives to fight another down.
