NFL Players and Smelling Salts: A Confusing Situation

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently found himself in a bit of a humorous predicament regarding smelling salts. After memos were circulated to all 32 NFL teams on Tuesday, Kittle joked about being “deemed a retirement” because of the confusion surrounding their use.

On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association quickly contradicted that claim, clarifying the rules. They informed players that the official policy does not prohibit using smelling salts or ammonia capsules but restricts teams from providing them during games, at halftime, or in the locker room.

The league’s memo clearly stated that teams are “banned from providing or supplying ammonia in any form,” which includes inhalers and capsules—anything that contains the potent smelling salts. I mean, this whole situation has stirred quite a conversation.

The FDA issued a warning in 2024 regarding the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter ammonia inhalants, suggesting they could mask symptoms related to concussions. In response to these concerns, the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee recommended banning these substances during play.

Kittle, who often uses these salts before heading onto the field to boost his energy, seemed genuinely distressed about the memo. During an interview with teammate Fred Warner, he voiced his frustrations, saying he had been “distraught all day” over the idea that he wouldn’t be able to use them anymore.

“We need to find some middle ground,” he added, seemingly searching for a solution. He acknowledged the role of smelling salts in his game-day ritual, hinting at a kind of camaraderie among players who rely on them without team intervention.

Interestingly, while the rule affects how teams handle these items, individual players are free to bring their own supplies. Perhaps it’s a way to mitigate concerns while still letting players adapt to their routines, though it does feel a bit disjointed in terms of regulations.