Tush Push gets tabled by NFL owners; Art Rooney II in favor of banning controversial sneak play

PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Tush Push will remain a part of the NFL for at least another month, but count Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II among the owners trying to remove it from the game.

The controversial quarterback sneak play, which involves players lining up in the backfield and pushing the quarterback forward, was debated heavily by NFL owners at the league’s annual meeting at The Breakers. In the end, the proposal by the Green Bay Packers to ban it was tabled until ownership gathers again in May.

“We were in favor of the rule as proposed,” Rooney II said Tuesday. “It’s a fairly narrow proposal in terms of eliminating the ability to push the quarterback on a quarterback sneak. We were in favor of that.”

The Philadelphia Eagles used the play to great success during the 2024 season en route to their Super Bowl championship. In the AFC, the Buffalo Bills were the most proficient team at executing the play.

The risk of injury was cited as a reason for eliminating the Tush Push, although Rooney admitted owners need to see more data.

“It was a combination of things,” he said. “It also got into the discussion of other similar kinds of plays where we have scrums downfield where guys are pushing the pile. Why aren’t we addressing that while we’re addressing this? A number of different things came up, and it just seemed like it was better tabling it and coming back and talking about it more later.”

Three playing rules were approved:

• The dynamic kickoff was made permanent, with one alteration. Touchbacks will be placed on the 35-yard line instead of the 30.

Rooney reluctantly voted last year to approve the kickoff rule under a one-year trial run.

“It’s OK,” he said. “I’m not 100% sure I’m in love with this rule, but we’ll see how it goes for another year.”

The onside kickoff component of the rule which allowed a trailing team to try one at any point in the game — instead of the fourth quarter — was tabled.

• Overtime rules were aligned so that each team will receive a possession in the extra period, even if the receiving team scores a touchdown on the opening drive. Overtime will be limited to 10 minutes instead of potential 15-minute expansion. Rooney said the Steelers were in favor of the proposal.

• Replay assist was expanded when “clear and obvious video evidence is present,” which allows officials to pick up flags thrown on the play.

“We’re continually in discussions about how to infuse technology into our game for the better, and that’s all any of these discussions around replay review and things of that nature are,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “How do we fluently infuse technology into our game for the better? To make it more efficient, to make it more entertaining to assist everyone in their jobs — whether it’s players, coaches, officials, whoever.”

Rooney said he favored the expansion “as long as it doesn’t slow the game down too much.”

• The Detroit Lions’ proposal to eliminate an automatic first down on defensive holding and illegal contact penalties did not pass.

• A bylaws proposal by the Lions to seed playoff teams on overall record regardless of whether they won their division also was struck down. Rooney voted against it.

“We think division rivalries are one of the more important parts of competition,” he said. “We don’t want to do anything to upset that.”

• The Steelers had their resolution proposal passed. It grants teams permission to have one video or phone call with up to five unrestricted free agents during the two-day legal tampering period that precedes free agency.

“We think it’s an improvement in being able to talk to the player himself rather than just his agent in the negotiating window,” Rooney said.

Luck of the Irish

Rooney wore a dark green blazer when he met with reporters as the NFL annual meeting concluded. It wasn’t a coincidence.

“I’ve been wearing my green suit jacket a lot lately,” he said, smiling.

That has held true since February, when it became official that the Steelers will play a home game in 2025 in Ireland at Dublin’s Croke Part. The opponent and date will be finalized in May.

“I told the league we need more tickets,” Rooney said. “The demand so far has been great. We’re looking forward to it.”

Looking ahead

While the Steelers continue their pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they have added two cornerbacks, a linebacker, running back, safety and interior defensive lineman. They also have brought back quarterback Mason Rudolph and traded for wide receiver DK Metcalf.

“Overall, it has gone well,” Rooney said. “We picked up some players I think can help us. The door is still open, and we’ll see what happens. From here on, the main focus will be getting ready for the draft.”

The first round will be conducted April 24.