**NFL Smelling Salts Ban: George Kittle Voices Concerns**
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently interrupted teammate Fred Warner’s interview to express his frustration over the NFL’s new ban on smelling salts. The league has officially prohibited the use of ammonia packets and smelling salts before and during games, leaving Kittle feeling unsettled.
“I honestly just came up here to air a grievance,” Kittle stated during his appearance on NFL Network. “Our team received a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets are now illegal in the NFL, and I’ve been distraught all day.” Kittle, who regularly uses smelling salts for an energy boost before offensive drives, lamented, “I miss those already.”
According to a memo obtained by ESPN, the NFL has banned teams from “providing or supplying ammonia in any form,” which encompasses ammonia capsules, inhalers, and any type of smelling salts. This prohibition will be enforced throughout games, including pregame activities, halftime, and on the sidelines.
The memo also referenced a warning issued by the FDA in 2024 regarding commercially available ammonia inhalants, highlighting concerns about their safety and efficacy for enhancing mental alertness or energy. The FDA noted that these inhalants could mask neurological symptoms, including signs of concussion. Consequently, the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee recommended the ban on ammonia inhalants during play.
Kittle humorously remarked, “I considered retirement,” after reading the memo, indicating that he is not alone in his discontent with this new regulation. “We have got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea,” he urged.
As Kittle enters his ninth season with the 49ers, he is coming off another impressive year, having recorded 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. The 31-year-old is recognized as one of the top tight ends in the league, but he will need to find alternative ways to boost his energy on game days moving forward.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why has the NFL banned smelling salts?**
A: The NFL banned smelling salts due to safety concerns raised by the FDA regarding their efficacy and potential to mask neurological symptoms, including signs of concussion.
