NFL Considering Ban on "Tush Push" After Reviewing Video and Finding Officials Overlooked Multiple Game-Changing Violations

September 19, 2025

NEW YORK, NY — The NFL is reportedly mulling a ban on the Philadelphia Eagles’ controversial “tush push” play after a detailed video review revealed multiple uncalled violations that swayed key outcomes in their Week 2 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The decision comes as pressure mounts following widespread criticism of officiating inconsistencies, prompting league officials to reconsider the play’s legality for the 2026 season.

The scrutiny intensified after the NFL released a training video on Wednesday, led by Ramon George, Vice President of Officiating Training and Development. The footage, first reported by The Washington Post, highlighted at least two missed false starts during tush push attempts in the Eagles’ 20-17 win on September 14, 2025. One critical instance, with 7:48 left in the fourth quarter, saw guards Tyler Steen and Landon Dickerson jump early before Jalen Hurts’ touchdown, yet no flag was thrown—pushing the score to 20-10 and sealing the game.

"I am done with the tush push guys. It's a hard play to officiate." - @DeanBlandino pic.twitter.com/Qcg2jtx2I2

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 14, 2025

George emphasized the need for stricter oversight: “In short-yardage situations like this, the offense must be flawless. We need to officiate it tightly—black and white—ensuring no pre-snap movement or early alignment issues.” He also noted a missed defensive infraction by a Chiefs lineman, but the focus remains on the Eagles’ violations. A second uncalled false start, at 5:30 in the fourth, could have pushed Philadelphia back to third-and-6, altering the drive’s outcome.

The backlash grew with comments from Fox analysts Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt, who slammed the missed calls, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who voiced frustration postgame: “I’m eager to see how the league reviews this.” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni defended his team, arguing real-time decisions are tough and slowed-down clips exaggerate errors, but admitted, “We must be perfect on that play.”

Fan outrage and calls from figures like Dean Blandino, who called the play “impossible to officiate,” have fueled the debate. The NFL’s Competition Committee is now set to meet in October to assess banning the tush push, citing its 96.6% success rate (2022-2025) and officiating challenges. A potential rule change could limit pre-snap movement or require all pushers to be stationary, leveling the playing field.

With the Chiefs at 0-2 and the Eagles’ tactic under fire, this could reshape short-yardage strategies league-wide. As the NFL weighs its next move, all eyes are on whether the tush push’s days are numbered. Stay tuned to NFL.com for updates!

Based on reports from ESPN, The Washington Post, and team statements.