The Eagles' “Tush Push” has made an enormous impact on the NFL, with some critics calling for the play’s removal and other teams across football attempting to make the play their own.
But before the rise of the Tush Push, there was the “Bush Push,” performed by USC Trojans Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, and Leinart is ready to take some credit for the play.
“Should Reggie Bush and I be credited with what is now called the ‘Tush Push’ used by the Eagles and many others?” Leinart wondered on social media. “Honest question, we are 100% a reason for the evolution of this play. Bush Push lives on!”
The Bush Push became famous in 2005 during a game between Bush and Leinart’s USC team and Notre Dame. The rivalry game came down to the final seconds, with the Trojans trailing by three with the ball just outside the goal line.
Leinart took the snap and attempted to sneak the ball in. After being stuffed by the Notre Dame defense initially, Bush got behind Leinart and forced him across the line for the winning score. The Bush Push was born.
While the Trojans’ original play does not look nearly as organized as the Eagles’ current version of the play, Leinart is certainly correct that USC’s game-winner is a predecessor to the modern Tush Push.
