Philadelphia Eagles File For Trademark on 'Tush Push'
The Philadelphia Eagles have filed for a trademark on the phrase "Tush Push" -- the controversial short-yardage play they have perfected over the last two seasons -- according to trademark attorney Josh Gerben.
According to the filing, which was made on Dec. 14, the Eagles plan to use the phrase on "men's, women's and children's clothing, namely shirts, shorts, jackets, sweatshirts, jerseys, hats and caps" if they are successfully awarded the trademark.
The Philadelphia Eagles have popularized the "Tush Push" over the past two seasons.
Eric Hartline/USA Today
Back in October, the Eagles filed for a similar trademark on the phrase "Brotherly Shove," another nickname embraced by fans of the team to describe the play where quarterback Jalen Hurts pushes forward behind center Jason Kelce, with a few players in the backfield able to give additional assistance from behind to assure the team converts on short-yardage situations.
There have been conflicting reports about how commissioner Roger Goodell privately views the Tush Push, which some believe should be removed from the game after this season. At this week's NFL owners meetings, Goodell remained agnostic on the topic.
“I haven’t taken a position on that one,” Goodell said. “Last year the committee had a lot of different views on that, the membership did. I want to hear that again this year. I want to hear how people feel about it.”
Meanwhile, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent seemed to be more opinionated on the matter.
"I think there was a report that either the league office or the commissioner was looking to eliminate this play. That was false," Vincent said. "We've been monitoring this play from Week 1 of the regular season. This play has evolved, which coaches told us it would. We're seeing passes come out of the play, people doing things differently than what we saw a year ago. Everyone doesn't have the Philly success rate, but people are trying it."
It should be noted that Vincent spent eight of his 15 NFL seasons playing cornerback for the Eagles, even getting a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2002. But his point -- one that seems increasingly popular on this issue -- is that other teams haven't been able to replicate the success the Eagles have had on the play, so perhaps it isn't the cheat code many thought it was just a few months ago.
"I would just say, Philly does it better than everyone else. That's a fact," Vincent said bluntly.
