Green Bay Packers Submitted Revised Proposal To Have The Tush Push Banned

Every year proposals or recommendations to add or change rules are submitted to NFL owners for consideration. Earlier in March at the annual meeting several proposals were reviewed and ruled upon by the owners. However, the request to ban the tush push and to change playoff seeding were tabled. It was the Green Bay Packers who requested the ban on the tush push and the request seemed to garner some support. However, the Green Bay Packers have now submitted a revised proposal to have the tush push banned.

Instead of just banning the pushing of the quarterback by the offense to pick up a first down more restrictions are being requested. Here is the amended proposal, the change is (d):

Amend Rule 12, Section 1, Article 4 as follows (new language underlined, deleted language struck
through):
ARTICLE 4. ASSISTING THE RUNNER AND INTERLOCKING INTERFERENCE. No
offensive player may:
(a) push or pull a runner in any direction at any time or lift him to his feet;
(b) use interlocking interference, by grasping a teammate or by using his hands or
arms to encircle the body of a teammate in an effort to block an opponent; or

>>(c) push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent
or to recover a loose ball.; or
(d) assist the runner except by individually blocking opponents for him.
>Penalty: For assisting the runner, interlocking interference, or illegal use of hands,
arms, or body by the offense: Loss of 10 yards.
>Submitted by Green Bay
Effect: Prohibits an offensive player from pushing, pulling, lifting, or assisting the runner
except by individually blocking opponents for him.
Reason: Player safety. Pace of play.

Green Bay Packers Submitted Revised Proposal To Have The Tush Push Banned

So as explained by NFL.com, the tush push would be banned. Along with any play in which a runner is pushed, pulled or lifted. Hence the proposal is now purposed as banning “assisting the runner.”

We are all aware of how great the Philadelphia Eagles were at using the tush push or brotherly shove. Which was just a variation of the tried and true quarterback sneak. And we’ve seen on numerous occasions, when multiple players will push and pull a running back forward to extend the play. Now with the amendment, pushing or pulling a running back would not be permitted either.

Green Bay is citing player safety as a reason for banning assisting the runner. But as NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo pointed out, “There’s no data to back up the fact that there is a health concern on this one. But they called it a health issue which means at some point you’ve got to address it. Otherwise, later on somebody gets hurt and you say you knew it was a health issue and you didn’t take it out of the game.”

Garafolo also posted additional information about the proposed ban on x.com stating:

“The conversations at the league’s annual meeting in March centered around going back to the language that used to exist over 20 years ago — no pushing or pulling the runner anywhere on the field. This language reflects a return to that.”

It would seem that if the league wants the game to continue to evolve they should be moving forward not backward.

Additional Proposals That Need To Be Decided Upon

Besides the tush push amendment, a rule proposal on procedures for free kicks and another on postseason seeding have been adjusted. The free kick (kickoff, safety kick or onside kick) proposal is designed to increase the number of onside attempts. Added to the proposal is that teams can declare an onside kick at any point in the game when trailing. Not just in the fourth quarter.

The Detroit Lions submitted the seeding proposal. They have altered it to reflect that the division champion with the best record would be seeded No. 1. Thereafter the remaining six seeds would be determined strictly by record, regardless of division finish.

Decisions on the proposals are expected on May 21. At the The Spring League Meeting which takes place Tuesday and Wednesday in Eagen, Minnesota.

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