Naming their famed short-yardage play was the first hurdle. But now the Philadelphia Eagles face a second one, as the “Brotherly Shove” could have some trademark issues ahead.
According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, after the Eagles filed a trademark for the term defining one of their plays, so did two other businesses: Inspired Synergy and Lawrence Caplan.
For the Eagles, this would hopefully be a trademark for merchandise, which includes shirts, jackets jerseys and hats.
The team’s center, Jason Kelce, confirmed the paperwork early this month. There had been a debate between “Brotherly Shove” and the “Tush Push.”
Why the name? Well, the play involves multiple players getting behind quarterback Jalen Hurts and pushing him over the offensive line. Typically in shorter yard situations.
Either way, it’s working. The Eagles are 9-1 with their run game finding its way.
At the moment, all three applications for the patent are under review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
As for the play itself, there had been talkings that it wasn’t legal. However, that’s not the case. It has been legally allowed in the NFL since 2005 when the wording was removed from the official rulebook to all pushing offensive players.
The Eagles just simply perfected it.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.