Governor Shapiro Defends NFL’s Tush Push Play

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, an avid Philadelphia Eagles supporter, has expressed his views on one of the NFL’s most debated plays this season.

The Eagles’ controversial push, which allowed quarterback Jalen Hurts to score, has faced criticism as the 2025 NFL season began. With Philadelphia showing a promising performance, the scrutiny surrounding this maneuver has only intensified.

Earlier in the offseason, a proposal aimed at banning the “tush push” was presented by the Green Bay Packers, but the idea failed to pass. As a result, not only the Eagles but all NFL teams can continue utilizing this technique throughout the current season.

Shapiro has weighed in on the conversation regarding whether this play should be prohibited. He has voiced support for it, citing its effectiveness for his team. “Outrageous!” he remarked when asked if the rule should change. “Other teams that can’t protect their quarterbacks like we can—it’s absurd that they’d want this banned.” He went on to emphasize that teams should focus on bettering their offensive strategies instead of calling for discounts.

There’s also a lingering frustration regarding Hurts’ place in the QB hierarchy. Despite leading his team to a Super Bowl victory and earning MVP honors last season, he often seems overlooked in discussions about elite quarterbacks, a group typically including names like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. Shapiro is frustrated with the lack of respect Hurts gets, arguing that the push to ban the maneuver stems from the inadequacies of other teams.

Eagles legend Jason Kelce, instrumental in making the push successful, commented on the play’s difficulties in officiating, suggesting that enforcement challenges could warrant its ban.

Kelce’s thoughts came after a game against the New York Giants, where a pivotal “tush push” call was mired in controversy. In that play, Giants player Kayvon Thibodeau appeared to force a fumble from Hurts, but officials ruled otherwise. Kelce expressed that he believed it should have been a fumble, acknowledging the mixed feelings but also defending the action itself.

As the season progresses, Shapiro continues to back the push, enjoying every moment Hurts drives forward for those crucial extra yards. However, he hopes for fair officiating, recognizing that not everyone may agree with every call made on the field.