Tough Talk Over a Rough Play

Sean Payton, who once joked that a “BS meter” rises when rules change, said on the NFL Combine that removing the controversial Tush Push would not be about safety. He argued that changes to kickoff rules already added more collisions, so the new play would add even more risk. Payton, part of the league’s competition committee, warned that if a rule change ever happens it would likely be because people don’t like the play, not because of health concerns. The Tush Push has sparked debate across the league. Last year, a vote to ban it fell short of the required 75 percent, and no team has yet filed a formal request to outlaw it. The play is most common with the Philadelphia Eagles, who use a rugby‑style rushing tactic to gain short yardage. Other teams have tried it but with less success.Critics argue that the play creates dangerous, high‑impact collisions close to the ball. Former Bills coach Sean McDermott noted that the posture involved can lead to serious injuries and called for proactive measures. Data shows the play was used 112 times last season, up from 101, and its success rate dropped to 75 percent for first downs compared with 82 percent in previous years. Eagles star Jordan Mailata defended his team’s use of the play, saying that blaming it for a win undermines the hard work of defense and special teams. He called such criticism “bullcrap” and urged fans to recognize the contributions of all players. The debate continues as teams weigh tradition, strategy, and player safety in deciding whether the Tush Push should stay on the field.