Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has a rule about his involvement in the team’s Tush Push play: he avoids it at all costs. The Tush Push, also known as the Brotherly Shove, is a play where the Eagles’ offensive linemen push the opposing defensive linemen in a pile. Smith, who weighs 170 pounds, says that it’s like having an elephant take a cat nap on top of you.
Smith told Kevin Clark of the “This Is Football Podcast” that you can’t breathe when you’re underneath the pile of players. He said, “No matter how hard you try to breathe, it doesn’t work.”
Smith is on pace for his second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, and he’s probably best suited to doing what he does best: catching passes. He’s leaving the Tush Push to the big boys.
**Analysis:**
The Tush Push is a dangerous play, and it’s understandable why Smith wants to avoid it. Players have been injured on the Tush Push in the past, and it’s not worth the risk for Smith, who is one of the Eagles’ most important players.
Smith’s description of the Tush Push is scary, and it’s a reminder of the dangers that NFL players face on every play. It’s also a reminder of how important it is for players to be smart and protect themselves.