The Tush Push is officially public enemy number one, at least in Jim Nantz’s eyes. After watching the Philadelphia Eagles bulldoze their way to a Super Bowl win with their near-unstoppable QB sneak, the broadcaster wants the NFL to do something about it. Philly turned the play into a cheat code, converting short-yardage downs at will and frustrating defenses league-wide.
But is it unfair, or just brilliant execution? As the debate rages on, one thing’s clear: the Eagles aren’t apologizing for playing smarter, not harder. If the league doesn’t step in, good luck stopping it next season.
Jim Nantz Calls for the NFL to Scrap Eagles’ ‘Tush Push’ Play
Nantz isn’t here for the Tush Push. The CBS broadcaster made it clear: he thinks it’s time for the NFL to step in and change the Eagles’ signature play. After watching them use it as a near-unstoppable weapon en route to their second Super Bowl win, Nantz is calling for the league to intervene.
Appearing on “What the Football” with Suzy Shuster and Amy Trask, Nantz didn’t hold back. “I’m done with the Tush Push,” he said. “I think it needs to go away. Now, they execute it better than anyone, so Philadelphia fans will be in outcry, saying, ‘Why are you penalizing us?’ I don’t like the play.”
His reasoning? It just feels too automatic.
The Eagles perfected the short-yardage QB sneak, turning it into a cheat code for first downs and touchdowns. Jalen Hurts, with his power and precision, made it look easy.
In Super Bowl LIX, they had a prime opportunity to run it again near the goal line but opted for a field goal instead. Nantz questioned why they didn’t use their most reliable play, noting how it could have completely broken the Chiefs’ spirit.
But the Tush Push debate isn’t new. Back in October 2023, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post called for a ban on the play after Philly’s 31-17 win over the Miami Dolphins. His argument: It’s not a legitimate football play.
Nantz, and even Shuster, seem to agree.
So, what’s the solution? Nantz suggested limiting its use – maybe allowing teams to run it only a couple of times per game. The NFL has yet to address the controversy, but as long as the Tush Push remains legal, the Eagles will keep cashing in on it. And there’s nothing defenses can do about it.
Jim Nantz Hit Rare Broadcasting Milestone with 500th NFL Game
Nantz reached a broadcasting milestone that few have achieved. When the Buffalo Bills faced the Denver Broncos in the AFC wild-card round, Nantz called his 500th NFL game — a feat only seven other TV play-by-play announcers had accomplished.
What made it even rarer was that he did every single game with CBS. That put him in exclusive company, alongside only Kenny Albert (who reached 500 with Fox in October 2023).
Nantz’s journey with CBS began on Oct. 16, 1988, when he called a Colts-Buccaneers matchup.
Since then, he had been the voice behind 69 playoff games, 20 AFC title games, and seven Super Bowls, including last season’s record-breaking Chiefs-49ers thriller.
CBS lost NFL rights to Fox in 1994, temporarily pausing his run, but Nantz returned in 2004. From that point, he called legendary matchups — from Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning to Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen.
Turning 66 in May, Nantz showed no signs of slowing down. “I’m having more fun now than ever,” he said. And with more playoff games ahead, his legacy remained stronger than ever.
