Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, addressed the future of the Tush Push play following a recent NFL vote that failed to ban the maneuver. The league’s decision last month means Allen could continue to use the popular yet controversial quarterback sneak throughout the 2025 season.
The Tush Push tactic involves teammates pushing the quarterback forward during sneaks, a strategy Allen has employed frequently, second only to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite concerns over player safety expressed by Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Allen remains a strong advocate for the play’s continued use.
Allen Defends the Effectiveness of the Tush Push
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Liam McKeone, Allen explained his viewpoint on the Tush Push, emphasizing its value when used properly.
“I’m a big believer in if you can’t stop it, keep running it, right? I think that there’s a few teams that do it better than others, but then you look at a few teams that try to do it, and it doesn’t have the same success,”
Allen said.
“Because, one, they maybe don’t practice it enough or, two, they don’t have the guys to do it.”
Allen expressed that banning the play just because some teams execute it better would be unfair. He said,
“Just because a couple teams do it better than others, I don’t feel like it should be banned. I understand the merit of what it brings and so I don’t really sway one way or the other. I try to play the game based on the interpretation of the rules. And if that was the rule that was passed, you know, we’ll find a different way. But I feel like if you can use it to your benefit, use it to your benefit. If you don’t like it, my advice is to stop it.”
Challenges and Controversy Surrounding the Play
Although Allen remains confident in the Tush Push, he acknowledges its limitations. The Kansas City Chiefs successfully defended against multiple quarterback sneaks, including a failed fourth-down attempt at the AFC Championship Game held on January 26, 2025, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. This highlighted that the play is not infallible and can be countered through effective defense.
The league narrowly avoided banning the tactic after owners fell just two votes short of the 24 needed to pass a rule prohibiting teammates from pushing a ball-carrier forward. The proposal was initially introduced by the Green Bay Packers and was adjusted following an earlier tabled vote in April. This close vote indicates the continuing debate about the play’s impact on safety and fairness.
Ongoing Debate and Future Use of the Tush Push
With the vote failing to ban the Tush Push, Josh Allen is likely to have more opportunities to use and refine the tactic going forward, despite ongoing concerns voiced by coaches and some league officials. The discussion over its safety and place in the game is expected to remain a focal point during the upcoming NFL season, as teams either develop counters or continue to employ the controversial play.
Allen’s remarks underscore the tension between innovation in football tactics and the need to protect players, ensuring the NFL’s approach to this issue will continue to evolve amid heightened scrutiny and safety considerations.