Overview

• Payton told reporters the Eagles’ short‑yardage sneak “might be the safest play in football” and said he supports keeping it if the line of scrimmage is clean.
• NFL internal data showed a zero percent injury rate on the play in 2024, undercutting health‑and‑safety arguments cited for a ban.
• Owners voted 22–10 to ban the tactic in May but failed to reach the 24 votes required, keeping the play in use for the 2025 season.
• Denver’s ownership reportedly backed the ban, even as Payton publicly favors allowing the play.
• Officiating remains under scrutiny after a Fox‑noted missed false start was later acknowledged in a training video by NFL officiating executive Ramon George, and at least one league executive expects a renewed push to outlaw the play next offseason.