Eagles' Tush Push Faces NFL Ban Vote as Jordan Mailata Mocks Its 'Stupid Name'

The NFL is gearing up for a heated debate over the Philadelphia Eagles' infamous tush push play, with team owners set to revisit the controversial tactic at league meetings on Wednesday. This short-yardage maneuver, a hallmark of the Eagles' strategy, has sparked division across the league, with some calling it a clever display of brute force and others labeling it a cheap trick.

Last month, owners postponed a vote on banning the play, which has become synonymous with the Eagles' relentless efficiency. As the decision looms, key players like offensive lineman Jordan Mailata and wide receiver A.J. Brown shrugged off the controversy with a mix of nonchalance and humor. Brown quipped, "It’s only one yard," while Mailata, poking fun at the play’s nickname, remarked, "I hate that name, so I hope they do ban it—it’s a stupid name."

Despite the lighthearted jab, Mailata emphasized the team’s focus remains on their broader game plan, not the fate of the tush push. "Worrying about if they’re going to ban it ain’t going to win us a championship," he said, highlighting the team’s commitment to adapting under offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni kept his cards close, noting the vote’s outcome will soon be public, while owner Jeffrey Lurie previously praised the play as a "precision play" driven by quarterback Jalen Hurts. Data from ESPN underscores its rarity, used in just 0.28% of last season’s plays, yet its impact looms large. The Green Bay Packers, leading the charge to outlaw it, argue it’s more gimmick than skill.

As the NFL weighs tradition against innovation, the tush push remains a lightning rod—proof that even a single yard can ignite a league-wide firestorm.