By Blessing 
Dan Campbell Backs Eagles’ Tush Push: “I’m a Purist”
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn’t joining the growing list of critics calling for the NFL to ban the Eagles’ “Tush Push.” While the play continues to stir heated debate across the league, Campbell made it clear he sees nothing wrong with it.
The Lions are coming off a strong 44–22 road win against the Washington Commanders, a game where Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties and saw his team respond with energy and precision. The victory helped Detroit quickly move past the sting of their previous loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Next up, they’ll face the Philadelphia Eagles, who have made the Tush Push — a quarterback sneak powered by teammates from behind — a consistent part of their offensive arsenal this season. Despite frequent complaints from opposing fans and players about the play being “unfair,” the Eagles have continued to execute it successfully.
Some argue that the play gives Philadelphia an edge through early movement or lenient officiating, but Campbell isn’t buying into the outrage.
“I’m a purist. You take something out of the game, then we’re taking the next thing out of the game, and pretty soon we don’t have pads anymore. Then pretty soon you’re only playing 30 minutes. … They’ve got a niche, they’ve found something, they’re good at it, and it’s for everybody else to stop,”
— Dan Campbell, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team on X (formerly Twitter).
While most NFL coaches want the play reconsidered this offseason, Campbell’s stance stands out as refreshingly old-school — a “let them play” mindset.
The Lions and Eagles will clash on Sunday night at 8:20 PM ET in Philadelphia, and fans will be eager to see if Campbell’s purist approach holds up when the Tush Push is on display again.