Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Noted He's Not The Only Player Doing Nothing On Tush Push Play

The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally started to find some real success with their own implementation of the Tush Push, a play across the league that has sparked a lot of debate. Many view it as incredibly effective, but also annoyingly repetitive and, frankly, a little boring. While some teams execute it better than others, it remains a legal and highly utilized weapon in today’s NFL. Under the guidance of Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, the Steelers have refined the play, tailoring it to fit their personnel and maximizing its potential in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Smith has approached the Tush Push with a level of creativity that shows in the Steelers’ execution. Instead of risking a veteran quarterback like Aaron Rodgers in the physical scrum, Smith has lined up tight end Connor Heyward to take the snap, demonstrating a clever adaptation that prioritizes player safety while still gaining the tough yards needed. Behind Heyward, 6’7”, 311-pound tight end Darnell Washington provides the necessary push to drive the play forward. The combination of size, technique, and timing has made the Steelers’ version of the Tush Push particularly hard to stop, while also adding an amusing visual element for fans watching the line of scrimmage turn into a literal human battering ram.

Steelers insider Brooke Pryor recently asked Rodgers about the Tush Push, and the quarterback offered some revealing insights. Rodgers emphasized that while the play might look straightforward, the timing and coordination between the snapper and pusher are critical, and minor missteps can derail the entire effort. 

He also highlighted how Smith’s adaptation has allowed the Steelers to keep defenses guessing, mixing in other formations and personnel to prevent predictability. 

"You never know," Rodgers said in response to whether he might do something new other than standing behind the play with his hands on his hips. "I will say, it is not a 10-on-11 play. I have seen that in some places, 'Oh, it is 10-on-11, why is the quarterback just standing back there with his hands on his hips?' There are a lot of guys who are not involved in that play. Usually the safety and the guys on the edges have zero impact on that play. As long as we’re going to keep sneaking it, I’m going to keep standing back there and hopefully signaling first down."

In Rodgers’ words, it is a play that is simple on paper but deceptively strategic in execution, and for the Steelers, it might just be one of their most reliable tools moving forward. 

Steelers Fake Tush Push Goes For 55-Yard Gain

Rodgers also gave credit to Smith for the wrinkles that the simple look can create. For example, when a fake Tush Push by the Steelers’ offense turns into a 55-yard pickup for RB Kenneth Gainwell in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, teams now have to prepare for that possibility as well. 

It’s cool to see the Steelers finally implement this and have some success with it. It will be interesting to see the results going forward, and it’s always a funny meme to see Rodgers standing in the back, waiting to hopefully signal first down. As for changes, it doesn’t seem likely Rodgers would be doing much more, but it’s possible.

Steelers fans, what do you think? Should Rodgers ever get more involved in the Tush Push, or is him just standing back there signaling first downs enough? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond! 

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