IRVING, Texas — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell denied that he wants the “tush push” quarterback sneak play that the Philadelphia Eagles have popularized removed from the game.
“I haven’t taken a position on that one,” Goodell said during a news conference Wednesday at the end of the December league meeting. “Last year, the (rules) committee had a lot of different views on that. I want to hear that again this year. I want to hear how people feel about it. I think we want to look at, ‘Is there enough data to talk about the safety of it?'”
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A league source previously told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini that Goodell wants to see the play removed from the game permanently.
Jeff Miller, NFL executive vice president of communications, said Wednesday that the league has studied injuries that have stemmed from the “tush push” play. Upon review, Miller said that “nothing notable” was concluded regarding the play having an increased risk of injury for players. For Goodell, though, that isn’t the only factor.
“Are there other aspects of it that we need to think about?” Goodell said. “A lot of coaches talked last year about (how) innovation would come off of that play. I’d like to take a look back at that; has that really occurred? It’s important to hear the different perspectives and let the committee do their work. I’ll be able to participate in that. And I’m sure we’ll have a position by (the owners’ meetings) March.”
While Goodell declined to take a stance on the “tush push” play, he was declarative when it came to the “hip drop” tackle. The commissioner put it in clear terms that he wants it banned.
“I think we all should work to get that out of the game,” Goodell said. “It’s escalated in the number of times it occurred this season. The injuries can be very devastating. It’s not just happening at the NFL level, but it’s happening at other levels. It’s something that I feel we’ve got to work very hard to get that removed this spring.”
Goodell came to the defense of officials when asked about the recent criticism they’ve received. He deemed it “absolutely correct” that Kansas City Chiefs receiver Kadarius Toney was penalized for lining up offside, negating a potential game-winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
“We all understand our officials are second-guessed. I’ve said it many times to you before: They are not perfect. No human being is. But the reality is they do an extraordinary job,” Goodell said. “I find it ironic that I’m standing here answering a question about the officials (when they) got it right and they’re being criticized.
“I think it shows you how difficult it is to do their job. … I’m incredibly proud, not just what they did in that game, but also what they continue to do.”
Required reading
- The Eagles’ ‘tush push’ play is taking over the NFL. But is it working?
- ‘Ban it!’: Eagles’ Jason Kelce doesn’t care if NFL removes ‘tush push’
(Photo: Bill Streicher / USA Today)
