Trump wants NFL to keep the tush-push — but hates the new kick-off rule

Trump wants NFL to keep the tush-push — but hates the new kick-off rule

President Donald Trump made a key endorsement on Monday at the White House, though it had nothing to do with a piece of legislation or a political campaign. 

Rather, the president put his stamp of approval behind the tush push play made famous by the Eagles. 

The play has garnered some criticism recently and a push to ban it had been underway at the league meetings earlier this year, before the topic was tabled. 

“I hope they keep that play, Coach,” Trump said with the Eagles on hand visiting the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl тιтle in February. “They’re talking about getting rid of that play, I understand. They should keep it. … I like it. It’s sort of exciting and different.”

President Donald Trump welcomes the Philadelphia Eagles to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl victory.
President Donald Trump welcomes the Philadelphia Eagles to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl victory. Andrew Leyden/ZUMA / SplashNews.com

The tush push is a play where the quarterback is seemingly shoved forward by his teammates lined up behind him on a short-yardage sneak. 

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni thanked Trump for his support moments later.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for having us here. And we also appreciate the endorsement for the tush push,” Sirianni said

The fairness of it has come into question and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seemed to hint at where his thoughts were on the play in a recent interview with Pat McAfee. 

Jalen Hurts, center, and teammates run the tush push play during the NFL championship playoff football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025.
Jalen Hurts, center, and teammates run the tush push play during the NFL championship playoff football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. AP

“A lot of coaches would tell you that’s not part of football, right. It may be rugby but it’s not us,” Goodell said. “The second thing is really the safety of the game. And that’s of primary importance to us. Is it a play that’s unsafe when you’re in those positions where you’re getting pushed or pulled and you can’t control where you’re going. Those are the two factors. On the other side, there’s a legitimate argument that everyone can do it, and you know, if somebody does it better than the others, that’s the way the game is played.”

Trump also took Sunday’s visit from the Eagles to criticize another rule, which was the dynamic kickoff. 

“I’d like to go back to the regular kickoff, however,” he said. “We don’t like that kickoff where nobody’s moving the balls in the air, nobody’s moving, but I won’t ask the Coach or Lane [Johnson] or any of the people about that, but as a fan, I don’t know, I’m not sure.”

Related Posts

Weary Tom Brady seen leaving Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding after fueling Sydney Sweeney romance rumors

Weary Tom Brady seen leaving Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding after fueling Sydney Sweeney romance rumors

Tom Brady was snapped leaving Venice after a glitzy weekend in Italy celebrating the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The NFL legend was one of…

NFL quarterback Zach Wilson marries partner Nicolette in beautiful New York wedding

NFL quarterback Zach Wilson marries partner Nicolette in beautiful New York wedding

NFL quarterback Zach Wilson and his partner Nicolette tied the knot on Saturday in a classy Manhattan wedding. Wilson, now a member of the Dolphins, began his…

EXCLUSIVEFrom homelessness to training Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes… how Quincy Avery became the NFL’s quarterback guru

EXCLUSIVEFrom homelessness to training Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes… how Quincy Avery became the NFL’s quarterback guru

Football jerseys line the walls where Quincy Avery sleeps. Just as they did nearly two decades ago, when he drove his Mustang out west to California. Avery…

NFL quarterback has to be held back by security after getting into ugly fight while coaching youth football game

NFL quarterback has to be held back by security after getting into ugly fight while coaching youth football game

Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith had to be held back by security during an ugly fight while coaching a youth football game this weekend in…

Miami Dolphins’ billionaire owner Stephen Ross closes in on shock deal to expand his sports portfolio

Miami Dolphins’ billionaire owner Stephen Ross closes in on shock deal to expand his sports portfolio

Miami Dolphins majority owner Stephen Ross is digging into his pockets for a new venture as he reportedly is closing in on a roughly 45% stake of…

Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning

Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning

The Kansas City Chiefs have paid tribute to former team running back Joe Delaney, who pᴀssed away 42 years ago Sunday trying to save three children from…