If it's in the game, it's in the game, EA Sports is always reminding us. But the most exciting and controversial play to enter the league in the past five years has never appeared in Madden NFL. It's past time. If Madden 26 doesn't allow me to pick my quarterback up by the buttocks and shove him forward, I don't want it.
For those unaware, the Philadelphia Eagles play the "Tush Push," also known as the "Brotherly Shove," is a variant of the quarterback sneak in which the player's teammates push him forward. It has been so successful for the Eagles that other teams are trying to ban it. Philly essentially only requires nine yards to get a first down, because of how good they have been running this play. It has survived this year's attempt to ban it, giving Madden 26 a chance to finally give it to us.
Madden is usually quick to add game-changing plays. The Wildcat became a staple of both its Madden and College Football franchises, and every year, there are a couple of plays from this formation that players need to be aware of.
Madden 25 added the cheat motion plays made popular by the Miami Dolphins, and quickly adopted by the rest of the league.
I suspect the big reason is that Madden's offensive line play already needs some work, and they don't want to add anything else. But with each year that passes, the Tush Push becomes even more conspicuous by its absence.
The Dolphins' cheat motion got added, but it has largely been a gimmick. The Tush Push has helped the Eagles go on a historic run, culminating in this year's Super Bowl win. It's the most impactful play of the past five years, and it needs to enter the franchise that simulates the NFL soon.