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The original was posted on /r/nfl by /u/Undergrad26 on 2025-02-27 17:55:26+00:00.

Given the Tush Push is once again on everyone’s minds (thanks offseason), wanted to clear up some potential misinformation regarding the Tush Push that I’ve seen repeated ad nauseum across the various threads. Here goes:

MYTH: Offenses are not allowed to “assist the runner” by pushing.

TRUTH: Offenses ARE allowed to push runners.

ELABORATION: In 2005, the NFL lifted the ban on pushing runners. Pulling runners is still illegal.

SOURCE: NFL rule allows players to push ball carriers

MYTH: Defenses are not allowed to push their own linemen, which makes the Tush Push unfair.

TRUTH: Defenses ARE allowed to push their own linemen during the Tush Push. In fact, we’ve seen this happen multiple times without success (see source below).

ELABORATION: Defenses are NOT allowed to push their own linemen during kicking plays. The reason is because there was sufficient injury data to ban it. Namely because the long snapper is a defenseless player

ELABORATION 2: One reason why Defenses don’t do an “anti-Tush Push” more often, is because it commits more of your defense to the pile, opening the field up to an audible’d pass play.

SOURCES:

MYTH: The Tush Push is an “unstoppable” play.

TRUTH: The Eagles, who are the most successful at the play, have seen their conversion rate go from 90% in 2022 to 82% in 2024.

ELABORATION: By comparison, all QB sneaks on 3rd / 4th and 1 has actually converted at 86% since 2017. That’s higher than the tush push!

SOURCE: QB Sneak versus Tush Push

MYTH: The Tush Push is dangerous and causes injuries.

TRUTH: The NFL has looked at Tush Push plays in the 2024 season and found no related injuries. Perhaps not surprising given it is a relatively low speed collision. And kind of the basis of another sport that does this without any pads.

SOURCES: NFL finds no data to suggest Tush Push is a dangerous play

Another non-misconception one is that Tush Pushes are boring. I’d say… eye of the beholder. And its certainly not as boring as watching PATs.

What other misconceptions have you heard?