The annual NFL league meetings have served up plenty of drama, but nothing tops the buzz around the Green Bay Packers’ determined effort to outlaw the Philadelphia Eagles’ highly effective short-yardage play, affectionately dubbed the “Tush Push.” This play, though scarcely used—making up less than 0.3% of league-wide plays—has rattled some teams with its rugby-like appearance and near-unstoppable success. The Packers have been vocal in their push to have it banned, citing its resemblance to rugby as a primary concern.
The controversy gained further traction with reports that the proposal has found sympathetic ears within the competition committee. The scenario has sparked plenty of laughter and head-scratching around the league. Especially when you consider where this journey might take the Packers next.
Here’s the kicker: even as the Packers battle against what they perceive as ‘rugby’ elements in football, they’ve been awarded international marketing rights in Ireland. Rumor has it, they’re set to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin in 2025 at Croke Park—a legendary venue in the heart of Irish rugby tradition. Talk about stepping right into rugby’s backyard!
This twist of fate raises eyebrows, adding a layer of irony to the Packers’ crusade. It’s the same team that faced defeat against the Eagles recently and now prepares to showcase its brand in a land where rugby is truly embraced. They’re aiming to erase a play they couldn’t defend against or execute effectively but will find themselves amid a culture that celebrates the scrum—a cornerstone of rugby’s gritty charm.
The “Tush Push” may not win beauty contests, but it’s legal, smartly strategic, and a masterclass in execution by the Eagles. The Packers, seemingly unable to counter it on the field, now seek to rewrite the rulebook off it.
As they plot to eliminate this trick from their rivals’ playbook, they’ll also be promoting their team in a country where rugby isn’t just a game; it’s a religion. The irony in Green Bay’s journey writes itself, proving once again in sports, truth is often stranger than fiction.