Kittle protests ban on smelling salts.
49ers Star George Kittle Is Not Happy with NFL Over New Rule originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
On Tuesday, the NFL issued a memo to all 32 clubs announcing a ban on ammonia inhalants, commonly known as smelling salts, effective for the 2025 season.
Under the new policy, teams are prohibited from providing or supplying any form of smelling salts or ammonia packets during pregame activities, games, at halftime, on the sidelines and in locker rooms.
At San Francisco’s training camp on the same day, six-time Pro Bowler George Kittle unexpectedly stormed onto the NFL Network set during teammate Fred Warner’s interview to “air a grievance.”
“Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL and I’ve been distraught all day,” Kittle lamented, revealing he uses smelling salts before every offensive drive.
He quipped, “I considered retirement,” before urging Commissioner Roger Goodell, through Warner, to “bring it back for George Kittle if you’re hearing this, Mr. Goodell.”
Though his on-air protest lasted just minutes, Kittle made clear he “misses those already” and pleaded: “We’ve got to figure out a middle ground, here, guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea.”
The decision follows a 2024 FDA warning highlighting the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of these products for boosting mental alertness or energy.
George Kittle crashed the NFL Network set to drop the news that the league banned smelling salts and ammonia packets today — and he admits he uses them every single drive. pic.twitter.com/1orx0wzhOa
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 5, 2025
Also, there is concern that they can mask neurological signs, including potential concussion symptoms, prompting the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee to recommend a leaguewide prohibition.
Related: Concerning News Emerges on Shedeur Sanders Amid Browns Quarterback Competition
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
