Cincinnati, OH – October 16, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves at the center of controversy on Thursday night after becoming the first NFL team ever penalized for a false start during a “tush push” attempt

— despite having previously supported the league’s efforts to ban the play.

The incident occurred in the second quarter of the Steelers’ matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Facing a 4th-and-1 from the Bengals’ 18-yard line, fullback

Connor Heyward lined up to take the snap in the signature short-yardage formation. While it initially appeared Pittsburgh had converted, officials flagged right guard Mason McCormick for moving early, nullifying the gain and drawing the first ever

false start penalty on a “tush push.”

The flag immediately reignited debate around the play’s legality. For months, the Steelers organization — along with several other teams — had

publicly voiced support for the NFL banning the “tush push,” arguing it created unsafe pile-ups and unfair leverage advantages. The irony of Pittsburgh now being penalized for attempting the very play they criticized did not go unnoticed among fans and analysts.

Many around the league noted the contrast with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have perfected the maneuver for nearly two seasons without once being flagged for a false start, despite repeated complaints from opponents. The call on Pittsburgh has now intensified scrutiny on officiating consistency.

Adding another layer of intrigue, Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco successfully executed his own “tush push” later in the game — this time with no penalty — converting on a 4th-and-1 in the third quarter.

Coaches and analysts believe the flag could mark a turning point in how officials monitor the controversial tactic. For the Steelers, however, it was a moment of bitter irony — punished by the very play they once urged the NFL to eliminate.