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NFL Legend Jason Kelce Sends 'Warning' About Tush Push

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 10:39 AM ET

The discourse over the Philadelphia Eagles' "Tush Push" play has reached new heights (no pun intended) and former Tush Push lead blocker Jason Kelce has some thoughts - and a warning - about it.

On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast with his brother Travis, Jason Kelce warned that referees are likely going to pay much closer attention to the Eagles when they try to run the play and will be looking for a reason to make a call. He advised the Eagles to be "very, very cautious"

"The refs are going to be looking for anything to call," Kelce said. "They need to be very, very cautious because the calls are going to be starting to come, and they should be. Once it’s out and there’s video evidence, rightfully so."

Kelce also took umbrage with people accusing the Eagles of purposely lining up offside.

"Because there’s been alleging that like this is an on-purpose thing that guys are going offsides. As an offensive line, it’s imperative that you get off on the snap. So, you’re doing the best you can to get off on it before the defender gets off on it. And exactly when that verbiage comes out of the quarterback’s mouth, you’re trying to time it up perfectly," Kelce said.

In an interview on Thursday he took it a step further, warning that the Eagles are going to start taking undeserved penalties because they "pushed the envelope too much."

Jason Kelce on the Tush Push: "We're going to have some [penalties] called on us that aren't deserved[...]because we pushed the envelope too much and the league is trying to make amends and prevent us and other teams from exploiting this." pic.twitter.com/oYWN3FYYr7
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 18, 2025

But the evidence doesn't really seem to bear out Kelce's fears being all that serious. There haven't been any reports of the NFL instructing its officials to be more alert for neutral zone infractions or false starts, and officials haven't been throwing flags at the Eagles in excess since the play first started getting used back when Kelce was the starting center.

Then again, a change like that could happen on a dime.

The Eagles play the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 26: Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after the game against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

What is the Tush Push?

The “Tush Push” is a variation of the quarterback sneak used by the Eagles, in which additional teammates line up directly behind the quarterback (usually Jalen Hurts) and literally push him forward, while the offensive line also surges ahead to gain short yardage. It’s been highly effective—conversion rates are much higher than typical QB sneak plays—and it played a key role in several critical situations, including scoring in Super Bowls.

Critics argue the play poses fairness and safety issues. Some contend it gives an unfair advantage to the offense, is difficult to defend, and skirts the edge of rules against “helping the runner.” Others point out that officials have a hard time spotting early movement or false starts in the chaos of the snap. Proposals to ban or change the rule have been floated (for example, by the Packers in 2025), but so far none have passed—partly because many teams support keeping it, and because the NFL has found no significant injuries tied directly to its use.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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