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Sean Payton Backs Eagles’ Tush Push, Calls It ‘Safest Play in Football’

His comments follow a failed owners' bid to outlaw the play, with the league urging tighter officiating.

Sep 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton calls a play from the sideline during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images/ File Photo
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Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos walks on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
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Overview

  • The Broncos coach said his “B.S. nose” went up when safety was cited to justify a ban, arguing the short‑yardage sneak is not causing injuries.
  • NFL owners fell two votes short of prohibiting the push-assisted sneak in May, with the Green Bay Packers drafting the proposal on player-safety grounds.
  • After TV replays flagged missed false starts on Philadelphia’s execution, the NFL sent a training video to officials, and officiating executive Ramon George agreed a flag was warranted in at least one instance.
  • Philadelphia continues to excel with the play, converting 28 of 34 attempts last season and unveiling a Week 4 fake that sprang Saquon Barkley for a touchdown.
  • Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira said he sees no reason to ban the tactic, noting injury data does not support safety concerns despite earlier on-air critiques about enforcement.