Mike McCarthy reveals Steelers’ Tush Push nickname, and it’s an ode to Penn State

November 2, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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Mike McCarthy reveals Steelers’ Tush Push nickname, and it’s an ode to Penn State appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a name for their version of the tush push. They call it the “Nittany Package,” a nod to tight end Pat Freiermuth’s Penn State background.

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Pittsburgh beat Cleveland 27-6 on Sunday. With five seconds left, the Steelers had the ball at the 1-yard line. Aaron Rodgers chose to go for a touchdown instead of a field goal.

Freiermuth took the direct snap and followed center Zach Frazier into the end zone. Tight end Darnell Washington and running back Jaylen Warren pushed him from behind. It gave Pittsburgh a 20-6 lead and was Freiermuth’s first rushing touchdown in six NFL seasons.

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McCarthy said Rodgers made the call.

“Aaron called that play,” McCarthy said. “Obviously, everybody agreed with it. But the whole mechanics leading up to that, I think that just shows the confidence they have and, obviously, Aaron’s experience of handling those situations.”

The Steelers have used the Nittany Package four times and converted on every attempt. They previously ran it on fourth-and-1 against the Patriots and Colts, and on third-and-1 against the Bengals. Sunday was their first attempt from the goal line.

According to Rodgers, he was not leaving the field without trying to score. Pittsburgh had no timeouts left, so a failed attempt would have ended the half.

Troy Fautanu also called it his favorite play.

Pittsburgh had earlier failed to score from the Browns’ 2-yard line and settled for a field goal. McCarthy said he wished he could have those three plays back. But the Nittany Package worked when the Steelers tried it again on Sunday.

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