The Dan Patrick Show Episode: Hour 2 – Tush Push, JJ Watt
Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the heated NFL debate surrounding the controversial play known as the "Tush Push." Joined by co-hosts Seton, Marv, Paulie, and special guest J.J. Watt, the discussion navigates the complexities of the play, its impact on the game, and the broader implications for player safety and league regulations.

Understanding the Tush Push

Dan Patrick opens the conversation by explaining the essence of the Tush Push, a play predominantly utilized by the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. The maneuver involves offensive linemen assisting the quarterback in gaining crucial yards, often resulting in immediate first downs or touchdowns.

Dan Patrick [02:46]:
"The big topic today, the Tush Push. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers reportedly have come forward to say, 'We object, your honor. We would like to get rid of this play.'"

The play has garnered both praise for its effectiveness and criticism for its perceived brutality and potential to cause injuries.

NFL's Contemplation to Eradicate the Play

The NFL is contemplating banning the Tush Push, citing concerns over player safety and the play's impact on the game's integrity. However, the league faces challenges in implementing such a ban without substantial injury data to support the decision.

Dan Patrick [02:46]:
"If the NFL is going to eradicate the Tush Push, they're going to need injury data because that trumps everything."

Co-host Paulie agrees, suggesting that without clear injury statistics, it's challenging for the NFL to justify the removal of the play.

Paulie [05:09]:
"The NFL believes that most football fans want the play gone. They'll push to make it gone because there's only one team that's going to fight for it."

Fan Perspectives and Poll Results

A live poll conducted during the show revealed a nearly even split among listeners regarding their stance on the Packers' position to eliminate the Tush Push. With 51% viewing the Packers as "heroes" for standing up against the play, and 49% labeling them as "zeros," the debate remains polarized.

Poll Result [04:49]:
"About 49% think they're zeros."

Player Safety and Injury Concerns

A significant point of contention revolves around player safety. The play has been associated with injuries, most notably Chris Jones' neck injury during the Super Bowl.

Co-host Paulie [09:07]:
"Chris Jones got his neck screwed up a little bit in the Super Bowl. I get it. But were there injury concerns with a quarterback sneak?"

While some argue that other plays like the quarterback sneak haven't faced similar scrutiny, the Tush Push's close physicality raises alarms about its long-term implications on player health.

J.J. Watt Weighs In

Special guest J.J. Watt, NFL Today CBS Studio analyst and former defensive end, joins the discussion to offer his insights on the Tush Push.

J.J. Watt [14:18]:
"I am totally against this push. I'm an old guy. I'm gonna get off my turf, guy. And I don't like the way the NFL is going."

Watt emphasizes the physical strain the play imposes on players, advocating for changes to preserve the sport's integrity and player well-being.

Watt [37:47]:
"There's no place for it in the game. It is literally, the goal of it is to wipe out a guy's knee."

Comparative Analysis: Tush Push vs. Traditional Plays

The hosts compare the Tush Push to traditional plays like the quarterback sneak, highlighting the differences in execution and impact.

Dan Patrick [35:21]:
"The NFL is looking for injury data because once they have that, they're all about safety, protection."

While the quarterback sneak remains a staple in many teams' strategies without facing similar backlash, the Tush Push's reliance on multiple players' coordination makes it a unique challenge for defensive strategies.

Callers Share Their Views

Listeners call in to express their support or criticism of the Tush Push, reflecting the broader fan base's divided opinions.

Caller Dave [49:26]:
"I sort of relate it to foul baiting in the NBA. It feels like the NBA tried to do something, and now we're still talk."

Another caller, Sean from Florida, echoes similar sentiments, likening the play to rugby and questioning its place in American football.

Sean [50:35]:
"It's like a rugby play. And if we wanted to watch rugby, there's a reason it's not a super popular sport."

Potential Rule Changes and Future Implications

The conversation shifts towards possible rule modifications to address the Tush Push without entirely banning it. Suggestions include removing the lineman assisting the quarterback, reducing the play's effectiveness while maintaining its strategic value.

Dan Patrick [35:36]:
"Maybe jumping... Take away the lineman behind Jalen Hurts, then it's a quarterback sneak, and nobody can complain about this."

The hosts contemplate the feasibility of such changes, considering the play's mastery by specific teams and its current success rates.

Concluding Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Dan Patrick and his co-hosts summarize the ongoing debate, acknowledging the Tush Push's controversial nature and its potential to reshape future NFL strategies.

Dan Patrick [36:09]:
"I do agree with you, Sean. Thanks for the phone call. But I just don't think you can penalize one team for doing something so well."

The episode underscores the delicate balance the NFL must maintain between evolving the game and preserving its foundational safety and fairness principles.

Key Takeaways

• Tush Push Overview: A strategic play involving multiple linemen assisting the quarterback to gain crucial yards.

• NFL's Dilemma: Balancing player safety with the integrity of game strategies without concrete injury data.

• Player and Fan Perspectives: Opinions are split, with some celebrating the play's effectiveness and others condemning its physicality.

• Potential Rule Changes: Suggestions include limiting linemen's involvement to mitigate injury risks while retaining strategic elements.

• Future Implications: The ongoing debate could lead to significant rule adjustments impacting team strategies and game dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick [02:46]:
  "The big topic today, the Tush Push. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers reportedly have come forward to say, 'We object, your honor. We would like to get rid of this play.'"

• J.J. Watt [14:20]:
  "I am totally against this push. I'm an old guy. I'm gonna get off my turf, guy. And I don't like the way the NFL is going."

• Caller Sean [50:35]:
  "It's like a rugby play. And if we wanted to watch rugby, there's a reason it's not a super popular sport."

• Dan Patrick [35:36]:
  "Maybe jumping... Take away the lineman behind Jalen Hurts, then it's a quarterback sneak, and nobody can complain about this."

This comprehensive discussion on the Tush Push provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of its role in modern NFL playbooks, the controversies it sparks, and the potential future changes it may incite within the league.