Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center, knows the reality of the tush push—a play that has sparked both admiration and controversy in the NFL. Also called the “brotherly shove,” this quarterback sneak has become a signature move for the Eagles.
Now watching from retirement, Kelce reflected on the play during his appearance on The Steam Room. He admitted that while it has been a game-changer for Philadelphia, it is not an easy play for the center.
“For me, as a center, it sucks,” Kelce said. “It’s a grueling play where you’re going to get as low as possible . . . if I get grass on my facemask, I probably did the play pretty good.”
The reason? The sheer weight piled on him. As he explained, the play can leave a center trapped under four 300-pound players, making it one of the most physically demanding moves in the game.
A Massive Advantage for the Eagles
Despite its difficulties, Kelce emphasized that the tush push is a major advantage for the Eagles. Their ability to consistently gain a yard in critical situations means they can extend drives instead of punting the ball away.
“You know how big an advantage it is? Essentially, we’re saving ourselves a turnover, whether it’s a punt or whatever,” Kelce said. “So it’s such a difference-maker at the end of the day that you’re always willing to do that for your team.”
Should the Tush Push Be Banned?
Some critics argue that the play gives the Eagles an unfair advantage and should be outlawed. However, Kelce disagrees. He believes the play is a true reflection of football’s essence—a battle of strength, willpower, and execution.
“Football is a sport that comes down to physicality, aggression, our will versus your will for a yard,” Kelce said. “I think that sums up football pretty well to me.”
He also pointed out that while the Eagles execute the play at a 92 percent success rate, other teams have struggled to replicate their efficiency.
“Maybe the Eagles just happen to be really, really good at it,” Kelce added. “Is it fair to punish a team just because they’re better at it than everyone else? I don’t think that’s fair.”
A Winning Formula Until Proven Otherwise
Until defenses find a way to consistently stop the tush push, the Eagles will continue to use it as a key weapon in their offensive strategy. With its proven success rate, the play remains a difference-maker—no matter how challenging it is for the center.
The Information is Collected from NBC Sports and Marca.
