Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has publicly defended the team’s controversial “tush push” play and, in the same breath, called for the NFL to implement fully guaranteed contracts for its players.
Barkley dismissed criticism of the “tush push” (also known as the “Brotherly Shove”), an offensive maneuver where the quarterback is pushed forward by teammates on short-yardage downs. He asserted that the play is not a unique or unfair advantage for the Eagles but rather a tactic that any team can execute if they possess the right personnel and skill. He suggested that the push to ban the play, which failed to pass in recent NFL owners’ meetings, stems more from other teams’ frustration with the Eagles’ success than from legitimate safety concerns.
Beyond the field, Barkley passionately advocated for guaranteed contracts for NFL players. He highlighted the significant physical and mental risks athletes undertake in a highly demanding sport like football, arguing that their contracts should reflect this sacrifice with full financial security, similar to other major sports leagues.
