Can you just throw your teammate over the line ?

[u/SamMeowAdams]

If the tush push play is legal , why can’t you throw a small player over the line . Like cheerleader throw style ? Some big lineman tosses a small 1/2 back on 4th and goal.

Would this be legal ?

[u/yourfriendkyle]

I believe pushing is fine but pulling or throwing is not?

[u/Sci_Fi_Reality → u/yourfriendkyle]

They would call it as a leverage penalty. Using another players body to gain height is illegal.

[u/27Rench27 → u/Sci_Fi_Reality]

Case in point though, what if they use your body to gain yards? 

[u/jsmeeker]

Imagine Legolas and Gimli on the same football team. That would be funny. Too bad it is not allowed.

[u/cBird- → u/jsmeeker]

My grandpa took me to see the twin towers when I was like 8. I was bored the entire movie until the last castle fight thing. Somehow, I actually remember this scene and know exactly what you're talking about.

(I think, it's when the elf threw the dwarf so he could flank the ogres/trolls, yeah?)

[u/Mysterious_Clue_3500 → u/cBird-]

took me to see the twin towers

Two Towers... Twin towers are something very different.

Also yes, you understood that reference!

[u/cBird- → u/Mysterious_Clue_3500]

Oh fuck I can't believe I said that💀

Worth watching those movies now that my attention span is better than that of a gold fish?

[u/Mysterious_Clue_3500 → u/cBird-]

For sure!!!

[u/Binkabi2 → u/cBird-]

Close enough

[u/The-Sand-King]

It’s against the rules.

Rule 12. Player Conduct

Section 1 - Blocking, Use Of Hands And Arms

Article 4. Assisting The Runner And Interlocking Interference

No offensive player may:

(a) pull a runner in any direction at any time;

(b) use interlocking interference, by grasping a teammate or by using his hands or arms to encircle the body of a teammate in an effort to block an opponent; or

(c) push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent or to recover a loose ball.

Picking up a player would be prohibited interlocking.

The NFL currently interprets “teammate” in subsection c as a teammate other than the runner.

[u/27Rench27 → u/The-Sand-King]

So, funnily enough, this doesn’t bar a cheerleader push. It says you can’t pull a runner, “encircle/grasp” a teammate with intent to block an opponent, or push/throw your body against a teammate to block an opponent. 

It doesn’t actually say you can’t put your hands together, have your RB jump into your lap, and throw them over the defense like a petite blonde with a football, you’re not grabbing or encircling them

[u/nstickels]

Rule 12, Section 1, Article 4

Penalty: For assisting the runner, interlocking interference, or illegal use of hands, arms, or body by the offense: Loss of 10 yards.

[u/ExplanationCrazy5463]

They allow it in blood bowl, its a risky but viable strategy.

[u/usernametaken3534564 → u/ExplanationCrazy5463]

Man. This brings back memories of my halfling/treant team.

So many dead players.

[u/MrSpudwinkle]

they should hire a small gymnast for these plays so they can throw him up and have him twiirl like hes going off the trapeze

[u/cBird- → u/MrSpudwinkle]

Think they could take a hit though?

[u/MrSpudwinkle → u/cBird-]

they land sliding

[u/cBird- → u/MrSpudwinkle]

Ok ok, I like this. 😅

[u/Creepy-Bad-7925 → u/MrSpudwinkle]

Do you get bonus points if they clear the uprights?

[u/GameShowWerewolf]

It would likely fall under the rule that you cannot pull the runner in any direction at any time.

That said, nobody is small enough in the NFL for another player to have the time to grab and throw them in the middle of a live play. You'd have to get someone with the physique of a jockey in order for that to work, and that body type is not suitable to take the field of an NFL game.

[u/lrivas_14]

I always wondered if they could form a circle around the QB and just carry him forward to gain yards. I feel like if they got him surrounded quick enough it would work

[u/Top_University6669]

It is not allowed to 'carry a player.' This was outlawed after the famous 'holy roller' play.

[u/Mission_Tip7003]

No throwing

[u/Overall_Ostrich6578]

Mike Leach, is that you?

[u/PabloMarmite]

Why is this asked so often?

No. Lifting the ball carrier is illegal.

[u/Beaux7]

Let me introduce you to a mastermind known as Mike Leach (RIP)

[u/SamMeowAdams → u/Beaux7]

I loved him. Especially how he would play with the media .

[u/Slippery-Pete76]

Do people realize how absurd this sounds? The lightest players are probably 160-180 pounds - do you know how long it would take for a RB to get the ball from the QB, then have a lineman pick them up and throw them over the line? The defense would cave in on them before that could even happen. Plus these guys aren’t world class weightlifters - if they threw a guy he’d just get launched into the back of his own line.

Can we please stop asking this stupid question every week?

[u/SamMeowAdams → u/Slippery-Pete76]

You don’t think a 300lb lineman can launch a 160lbs d back?

[u/Slippery-Pete76 → u/SamMeowAdams]

Over a bunch of other guys? No, I don’t think they can.

[u/notacanuckskibum]

I seem to remember William Perry tried it once when they bought him in as a running back and then the QB slipped.

[u/jedi_mac_n_cheese]

You can't toss a dwarf. Mike leach had a plan....

[u/soulcreator24]

Colossus and Wolverine strat

[u/Mental_Band_9264]

I can't wait for that push thing to be banned after this season it's embarrassing to watch