49ers' George Kittle 'distraught' over ban of smelling salts

Field Level Media
06 Aug 2025, 23:11 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is making a stink about the NFL's recent ban on smelling salts.

Kittle interrupted an NFL Network interview at training camp on Tuesday to 'air a grievance' about the policy.

'Our team had a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I've been distraught all day,' said Kittle, who added that he uses the substances on 'every drive.'

Starting this season, teams are prohibited from 'providing or supplying ammonia in any form' on game days either on the field or in the locker room, according to the league memo.

'In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy,' the memo says, per ESPN. 'The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.'

Kittle, 31, is far from the only NFL player who regularly uses smelling salts. That includes athletes in other sports, including ice hockey.

The six-time Pro Bowler said he has always used them for a boost of energy, joking that the change made him consider hanging up his cleats.

'I considered retirement,' Kittle said. 'We have got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea. That's all I had to get out there. Get that off my chest.'

--Field Level Media

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