Eagles legends save the day as Tush Push ban denied again at owners meeting

The proposal was first presented at the owner's meeting last month, but a 16-16 vote did not pass, as the NFL needs at least 24 votes to pass. This week, the Packers presented a revised proposal for the ban that included the following language:

• Push or pull a runner in any direction at any time or lift him to his feet
• Use interlocking interference, by grasping a teammate or by using his hands or arms to encircle the body of a teammate if an effort to block an opponent
• Push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent or to recover a loose ball
• Assist the runner except by individually blocking opponents for him
• 10-yard penalty for "for assisting the runner, interlocking interference, or illegal use of hands, arms, or body by the offense."
• Reasons given were "player safety" and "pace of play"

Before the vote took place, it was reported that Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie addressed the owners first in a fiery speech in support of the Tush Push.

"Whoever votes to ban this play is taking liability for putting risk on our quarterbacks," Russini reported Lurie saying.

After Lurie finished his part, former Eagles center Jason Kelce spoke with the crowd. On his New Heights podcast, Kelce said he would discuss how the Tush Push did not cause his retirement and share his thoughts on the safety of the play.

Lurie and Kelce saved the Tush Push

There was much speculation regarding the play's ban, as it was reported that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell favored the ban. Stories of how this ended up being, but credit needs to be given to Lurie and Kelce.

Lurie and the Eagles have been fighting all offseason to ensure that the play remains. His speech seemed to be enough to get owners thinking that this play helps protect the league's quarterbacks.

Kelce added to his legacy in Philadelphia by helping educate the owners on the play. He had previously stated that he didn't care if the play was banned or not, but his undying loyalty to the city helped make it happen.

This will be a tale told in Philadelphia for a long time, as it was Lurie and Kelce's speeches that appear to have made the difference in saving the play.