An NFL team has finally been penalized for a false start on the “tush push” … just not the Philadelphia Eagles.
During this week’s “Thursday Night Football” between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers drew a penalty flag that sparked plenty of debate. In the second quarter at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, Pittsburgh attempted to run a “tush push” on a 4th-and-1 from the Bengals’ 18-yard line.
Fullback Connor Heyward lined up to take the snap and appeared to successfully get the first down. However, Steelers right guard Mason McCormick was flagged for a false start on the play, having moved prior to the snap (along with another Pittsburgh offensive lineman)
Turns out you CAN call false start on a tush push
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 17, 2025
IIIIIInteresting pic.twitter.com/qeKBnlkpej
While that obviously was the right call, it still sparked major conversation, especially since the Philadelphia Eagles, the poster team for the “tush push,” have gotten away with numerous false starts on their attempts of the play. Even just this season alone, the Eagles have had multiple blatant false starts on “tush pushes” go entirely uncalled.
Interestingly enough, the Bengals also ran a “tush push” of their own later in the game with quarterback Joe Flacco. The 40-year-old Flacco used the play to successfully pick up a first down on a 4th-and-1 in the third quarter.
JOE FLACCO TUSH PUSH pic.twitter.com/5Prpr8Fxqv
— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2025
Opposing coaches have seemingly warned the NFL to keep a closer eye on the “tush push” for potential false-start violations. The Steelers certainly got a taste of that during Thursday’s game against the Bengals. But the people are still waiting for the Eagles to get their just deserts as well.
