nfl rulebook, Rule 12, Section 1, Article 4:
just another rule in the book that doesn't get called
As Captain correctly point out, it doesn't say anything about what is being referred to in this thread, that of a player
pushing his teammate forward.
I actually see no problem with the rule or assisting a runner by pushing him from behind. What I really wish the NFL would do is put a GPS tracker in a football, so that they would actually get the spots correct. Super simple to do, someone in the booth gets the information immediately and relays to a ref. the exact spot to place the ball.
ARTICLE 4. ASSISTING THE RUNNER AND INTERLOCKING INTERFERENCE
No offensive player may:
- pull a runner in any direction at any time;
- 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
- push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent or to recover a loose ball.
Penalty: For assisting the runner, interlocking interference, or illegal use of hands, arms, or body by the offense: Loss of 10 yards.