The Philadelphia Eagles may have lifted the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the 2024â2025 NFL season, but not everyone is applauding. In a bold and unexpected statement aired on FOX Sports, former Kansas City Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt stirred controversy by calling the reigning Super Bowl champions âthe most unconvincing champion in many years,â igniting fierce debate across the football world.
Colquitt, a respected veteran who spent 15 years punting for the Chiefs and played a total of 17 seasons in the NFL, didnât hold back. During the segment, he pointed fingers at the Eaglesâ now-infamous âTush Pushâ â a quarterback sneak formation used repeatedly throughout the season â labeling it âuglyâ and âdamaging to the true spirit of sports.â
âI played nearly two decades in a position few people pay attention to, but I know the value of a truly earned victory,â Colquitt said. âAnd this isnât one.â
A Direct Hit to the Champs
The Eaglesâ Super Bowl run was statistically dominant, with a powerful offensive line, standout performances from quarterback Jalen Hurts, and a defense that held strong in the postseason. But it was their reliance on the âTush Pushâ â also known as the quarterback sneak push or Brotherly Shove â that drew increasing criticism from fans, analysts, and now former players.
The tactic involves the quarterback getting a direct push from multiple teammates behind him in short-yardage situations, essentially forming a human wedge. The Eagles used the play with great success, converting over 90% of short-yardage attempts using the formation.
Critics, like Colquitt, argue that the move skirts the edge of sportsmanship.
âItâs not creative. Itâs not athleticism. Itâs just brute force, and it turns the game into a rugby match,â Colquitt added. âIâve seen great teams earn victories through precision, timing, and skill â not by just shoving a pile forward.â
Fans and Analysts React
Social media erupted in the hours following the segment, with fans split between defending their team and calling Colquittâs comments disrespectful.
âColquitt is just salty. The Eagles played within the rules. If you donât like it, stop it.â
â @FlyEaglesFly92
âFinally someone said it. That âTush Pushâ isnât football â itâs a cheat code. Good on Dustin for speaking up.â
â @GridironTraditionalist
Former players also weighed in, with some supporting Colquittâs viewpoint and others defending the Eagles.

Hall of Fame offensive lineman Alan Faneca tweeted:
âGames are won in the trenches. If your line canât stop a 1-yard push, donât cry about it. Thatâs football.â
Meanwhile, retired defensive end Chris Long, who won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2018, called Colquittâs take âbitter and misguided.â
âCalling them unconvincing champions is just lazy,â Long said during his podcast. âThey dominated the NFC, beat the top teams, and got it done. Doesnât matter how â it matters that they did.â
The NFLâs Ongoing Debate
The âTush Pushâ has been a point of contention within the NFL for over two seasons now. Several owners and coaches have reportedly lobbied the league to consider banning or restricting the play, citing player safety and competitive imbalance. However, the league has so far allowed it to continue, deeming it a legal â if controversial â tactic.
Colquittâs comments could reignite discussions during upcoming NFL Competition Committee meetings, where rule changes for the 2025â2026 season will be reviewed.
A Punterâs Perspective
While punters rarely find themselves at the center of headline-making drama, Colquittâs tenure in the league earned him respect for his consistency, leadership, and football IQ. He was part of Kansas Cityâs 2019 Super Bowl-winning team and played under some of the leagueâs top special teams coordinators.
âI may not have scored touchdowns or made highlight reels,â Colquitt said, âbut Iâve been on teams that earned every inch with grit, not gimmicks.â
His strong words seem to come from a place of old-school football tradition â a belief in fundamentals, fair play, and respect for the craft.
Looking Ahead
Whether fans agree with Dustin Colquitt or not, his comments have thrown fuel on an already simmering fire about the evolution of the NFLâs playing style. As the league continues to evolve â with offenses pushing the boundaries of creativity and power â debates about what constitutes âtrue footballâ are unlikely to fade.
As for the Philadelphia Eagles, they remain focused on defending their title. If they continue to dominate the trenches and rack up wins â with or without the âTush Pushâ â itâs hard to argue with results.
But with voices like Colquittâs growing louder, the league may be forced to decide whether the game is changing for the better â or losing something in the process.


