The Tush Push rule, which enables a quarterback sneak powered by teammates pushing from behind, originated with a controversial change in 2005. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg explained the backstory on the latest broadcast of Get Up, describing how the rule evolved under pressure to simplify officiating.

“For 90 years, up until 2005, pulling the ball carrier and pushing the ball carrier were both against the rules. In 2005, they made pushing legal because, ‘It was too difficult to legislate,’” Greenberg said.

He cited a statement from Mike Pereira, NFL Director of Officials at the time:

“What the league found was so difficult was you were never sure who was pushing who. You're not necessarily pushing the runner. You’re going to be pushing someone else that's in contact with the runner. So, i

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