After tabling the discussion and decision over the “tush push”, the NFL owners have met and finally made a decision on the move created by the Philadelphia Eagles that other teams deem as un-defensable.
The Green Bay Packers requested that the move be banned from football, but the owners don’t agree. With 10 owners voting against the ban, the move fell two votes short of passing.
According to ESPN’s Adam Scheffer the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans joined the Philadelphia Eagles in voting against the “tush push” ban.
The only other team that has had any real success in running the “tush push”, is the Buffalo Bills with an 87% success rate.
“Other times he does, but it’s after the first down was reached.”
Other rule changes for the 2025/26 NFL season…
Teams can now declare an onside kick in any quarter as long as they are behind in the score and will be kicked from the 34 yard line.
After making the playoffs last season, the Detroit Lions had an issue with the way the teams were seeded for the playoffs and proposed a change in how teams would be seeded for postseason play. After not receiving enough support for the motion, the proposal was removed at the last minute. But may be re-introduced at a later date.
The rulings over overtime changes are a constant in owner meetings. In the latest change, both teams will have an opportunity to possesses the ball in overtime during regular season games; as well as, postseason games.
The NFL has expanded “replay assist” to include “hits on a defenseless player”, grabbing the facemask, performing a horse-collar tackle, tripping, and running into or roughing the kicker”. However, in order for a review or challenge to take place, the officials must first throw the yellow penalty flag; coaches who disagree may throw their red challenge flag. Video reviews cannot be used to “coax” a penalty.
For generations the NFL has used chains to determine first downs; beginning in 2025, Hawk-Eye camera will be used for determining the first down. The NFL will use eight cameras to mark the ball’s position on the field. The NFL noted that using the cameras will save 40 seconds over using the chain gang. However, the NFL has no plans to completely replace the chain gang at this time.
In an attempt to “encourage” more kickoff returns, touchbacks will now take place from the 35 yard line; moved up from the 30 yard line.
The Pittsburgh Steelers put forth a proposal that would allow teams to have direct contact with free agents and schedule travel for them during the negotiation window. The proposal has passed on a trial basis for the 2025 season.