NFL Competition Committee Doesn’t Anticipate “Tush Push” Ban in 2026
The NFL Competition Committee does not foresee a proposal to ban the “tush push” play this year, according to committee co-chairman Rich McKay. This comes after a year of debate surrounding the short-yardage play and a failed attempt to implement a rule change in 2025.
No Current Proposals to Ban the Play
Speaking at the NFL scouting combine on Sunday, McKay stated, “I have not seen any team proposal on this. So I don’t imagine. But you never recognize.” ESPN reported on the comments.
Previous Attempts to Ban the Play
In 2025, the Green Bay Packers proposed a ban on the “tush push,” specifically prohibiting offensive players from immediately pushing a teammate lined up directly behind the center and receiving the snap. The proposal ultimately failed to gain enough support, falling short by two votes at the May league meeting. A revised proposal, aiming to prohibit pushing any ball carrier, also failed.
Usage of the “Tush Push”
The play, officially known as a quarterback sneak, has been primarily utilized by the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills. In 2025, there were 112 attempts of the play league-wide, a slight increase from the 101 attempts in 2024. The Eagles led the league with 27 attempts, followed by the Bills with 17. Other teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks, began experimenting with the play, utilizing tight ends instead of quarterbacks in some instances.
Conversion Rates and Safety Concerns
The conversion rate for the “tush push” decreased slightly in 2025 to 76.8%, compared to 82% between 2022 and 2024. While some concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the play, the NFL has not yet released any health data to support these concerns.
Other Rule Change Discussions
McKay also indicated that 2026 is not expected to be a year of significant rule changes, stating, “Sport is in a very good situation.” Discussions regarding changes to the playoff qualification process are ongoing, but no proposals have been formally presented. The committee also engaged in a lengthy conversation about the NFL’s reception rule, particularly in light of controversial decisions made during the 2025 season.
“Our current technology is extraordinary, so the ability to analyze frame by frame and gradual down plays is a great solution for many things, but presents challenges for others,” McKay said regarding the reception rule. “We must ensure that the rules, as written, not only match what happens on the field, but also what it looks like on replay.”