The NFL announced a league-wide ban on the use of smelling salts and ammonia inhalants during games, citing safety concerns and the potential to mask concussion symptoms. The decision has sparked significant discussion, with San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle publicly expressing his frustration. The ban, effective for the 2025 NFL season, prohibits all club personnel from providing or supplying ammonia-based products during pregame activities, games, and halftime on sidelines and in locker rooms. This article explores the reasons behind the ban, its implications for players like Kittle, the impact on the NFL, and the broader conversation about player safety and performance.
George Kittle: A Vocal Advocate for Smelling Salts
George Kittle, a six-time Pro Bowl tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, has become the face of the opposition to the NFL’s smelling salts ban. Born on October 9, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin, Kittle emerged as a standout at the University of Iowa, where he recorded 48 receptions for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns in his college career. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the 49ers, Kittle has since established himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends, earning All-Pro honors and contributing to the 49ers’ Super Bowl LIV appearance in 2020. In 2024, he recorded 65 receptions for 884 yards and seven touchdowns, solidifying his role as a key offensive weapon.
Kittle’s reliance on smelling salts is well-documented, with the tight end admitting to using them “every drive” during games to boost alertness and energy. On August 5, 2025, during an appearance on NFL Network’s “Inside Training Camp Live”, Kittle interrupted an interview with teammate Fred Warner to voice his displeasure, stating, “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.” He jokingly mentioned considering retirement and urged the league to “figure out a middle ground”, reflecting the sentiment of many players who view smelling salts as a staple of their game-day routine. Kittle’s candid reaction, amplified by posts on X from users like @NFL_DovKleiman, has brought significant attention to the ban, highlighting its impact on players accustomed to using these products.
The Smelling Salts Ban: Details and Rationale
The NFL’s decision to ban smelling salts and ammonia inhalants stems from a 2024 FDA warning about the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of ammonia inhalants (AIs) marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy. The NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee, citing the FDA’s concerns, noted that AIs have the potential to mask neurological signs and symptoms, including those associated with concussions. This risk is particularly significant given the NFL’s ongoing efforts to enhance player safety and improve concussion protocols, especially after high-profile incidents like the 2024 Josh Allen concussion evaluation during a game against the Houston Texans, where smelling salts were reportedly used.
The league’s memo, sent to all 32 teams on August 5, 2025, explicitly prohibits club personnel—including team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and coaches—from providing or supplying ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, or any form of “smelling salts” during NFL games. The ban applies to pregame activities, halftime, and all sideline and locker room activities, ensuring a comprehensive prohibition. The NFL’s decision aligns with other sports, such as boxing, which banned smelling salts years ago for similar reasons, though they remain permitted in other major sports leagues.
Historically, smelling salts have been used in the NFL to provide a sudden jolt of energy or alertness, with players like Terry Bradshaw and Michael Strahan noting their widespread use. A 2017 ESPN report estimated that 70-80% of NFL players used smelling salts, often as a placebo to enhance focus, despite a 2014 Journal of Exercise Physiology study finding no measurable performance boost. The products, originally designed to revive individuals who have fainted, have become a cultural fixture in football, with anecdotes like Larry Fitzgerald playfully waving smelling salts at sideline reporter Pam Oliver in 2018 illustrating their prominence. However, the NFL’s focus on concussion detection and player safety has shifted priorities, leading to the ban.
A Pattern of Player Safety Measures
The smelling salts ban is part of the NFL’s broader commitment to player safety, particularly regarding concussions and head injuries. The league has faced significant scrutiny over its concussion protocols, with incidents like the 2022 Tua Tagovailoa controversy prompting stricter guidelines. The 2024 Josh Allen incident, where the Bills quarterback returned to play after a concussion evaluation involving smelling salts, drew criticism and highlighted the need for clearer protocols. Posts on X from users like @TrevoWood on August 6, 2025, suggested that players have used smelling salts to pass concussion tests by masking symptoms, a practice the NFL aims to eliminate.
The NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee’s recommendation reflects a growing body of evidence about the risks of ammonia inhalants. The FDA’s 2024 warning emphasized potential negative effects, including respiratory irritation and cardiovascular stress, alongside the lack of proven benefits. The committee’s decision to ban AIs outright, rather than allowing limited use, underscores the league’s proactive stance, though it has drawn pushback from players like Kittle who view smelling salts as a harmless tradition. The NFL’s refusal to compromise, as noted in the memo, suggests a firm commitment to prioritizing health over tradition.
Impact on the NFL’s 2025 Season
The smelling salts ban will have a noticeable impact on the 2025 NFL season, particularly for players like George Kittle who rely on them for mental preparation. The San Francisco 49ers, coming off a 12-5 season in 2024 and a Super Bowl LVIII appearance, face a challenging schedule with early games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams. Kittle’s role as a dual-threat tight end—both a receiver and blocker—is critical to the 49ers’ offense, and his reliance on smelling salts could affect his game-day routine. The team’s coaching staff, led by Kyle Shanahan, may need to explore alternative methods to help players like Kittle maintain focus and energy without violating the ban.
Across the league, the ban will require athletic trainers and team physicians to adapt, as they can no longer provide ammonia-based products. Teams with a history of heavy smelling salt use, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers or Las Vegas Raiders (where Maxx Crosby has been seen using them), may face adjustment periods. The absence of smelling salts could also influence concussion evaluations, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses but requiring players to find new ways to “get hyped” for games. The NFL’s medical staff will likely face increased scrutiny to ensure compliance, with potential fines or sanctions for teams found violating the ban.
The 2025 season will test the resilience of players and teams in adapting to this change. For the 49ers, Kittle’s leadership and ability to adjust will be crucial, especially as they aim for another deep playoff run. Other teams, such as the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, may also need to address the ban’s impact on key players, ensuring that the absence of smelling salts doesn’t disrupt their pregame routines or in-game focus.
💸 Money Angle / Wealth Perspective
The smelling salts ban carries financial implications for both the NFL and its players. For the league, the decision aligns with its player safety initiatives, which are critical to maintaining its $20 billion annual revenue stream. High-profile concussion lawsuits, such as the $1 billion settlement in 2016, have made the NFL cautious about head injury risks. By banning smelling salts, the league aims to reduce the risk of misdiagnosed concussions, which could lead to costly litigation or damage to its brand reputation. The ban may also prompt investments in alternative alertness aids, such as caffeine-based products or mental conditioning programs, creating opportunities for sports science companies.
For players like George Kittle, whose $75 million contract (signed in 2020) includes a 2025 base salary of $14.4 million, the ban could indirectly affect performance-based incentives. If the absence of smelling salts disrupts his game-day performance, Kittle risks missing out on bonuses tied to receptions, yards, or Pro Bowl selections. Across the league, players who rely on smelling salts may face similar challenges, potentially impacting their marketability for endorsements. The sports supplement industry, which includes ammonia-based products, could see a revenue dip as NFL teams shift away from these items, though the market for legal alternatives may grow. Posts on X from August 5, 2025, suggest fans are already speculating about new products players might adopt.
🌟 Brand, Influence & Culture Impact
The smelling salts ban challenges the NFL’s brand as a league balancing tradition with modern safety standards. Smelling salts have been a cultural fixture in football, with players like Larry Fitzgerald, Maxx Crosby, and Terry Bradshaw openly using them, often captured on broadcasts. The ban risks alienating fans and players who view the practice as harmless, as evidenced by George Kittle’s public outcry on NFL Network. Posts on X from @TribSports and @ChicagoSports on August 5–6, 2025, highlight the perception that smelling salts provide a “jolt of energy”, a sentiment ingrained in NFL culture.
For Kittle, the ban impacts his personal brand as a charismatic, high-energy player. His humorous plea for a “middle ground” has resonated with fans, with @TheAthleticNFL noting his “distraught” reaction on August 5, 2025, amplifying his influence. However, the ban also positions Kittle as a potential advocate for player safety, as he could lead efforts to find alternative preparation methods. The broader NFL culture faces a shift, as teams must move away from a long-standing ritual, potentially affecting team morale and fan engagement. The league’s commitment to concussion awareness may strengthen its image among safety advocates, but it must navigate pushback from players and fans nostalgic for tradition.
📌 The Distinct Athlete Angle
George Kittle’s reaction to the smelling salts ban underscores the unique challenges faced by NFL athletes who rely on rituals to maintain peak performance. As a six-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most dynamic tight ends, Kittle’s use of smelling salts reflects a broader trend among athletes who seek mental and physical edges in a high-stakes environment. His admission of using them “every drive” highlights the psychological importance of such rituals, even if their efficacy is questionable, as noted in a 2014 Journal of Exercise Physiology study suggesting a placebo effect.
The ban forces Kittle and other players to adapt, testing their resilience and adaptability. For Kittle, whose energy and leadership define his role with the 49ers, finding alternatives to smelling salts is critical to maintaining his on-field intensity. His public frustration, shared on NFL Network, reflects the tension between player autonomy and league-mandated safety measures. Kittle’s ability to navigate this change could inspire younger players, reinforcing his status as a team leader. The ban also highlights the NFL’s evolving approach to athlete health, with Kittle at the center of a pivotal moment in the league’s safety narrative.
League-Wide Safety and Policy Implications
The smelling salts ban is a significant step in the NFL’s ongoing efforts to address concussion risks. The FDA’s 2024 warning and the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee’s recommendation underscore the league’s reliance on scientific evidence to shape policy. Unlike other sports, where smelling salts remain permitted (except in boxing), the NFL’s decision sets a precedent for prioritizing neurological health. The ban could lead to stricter concussion protocols, with teams potentially investing in advanced diagnostic tools to detect symptoms unmasked by ammonia inhalants.
However, the ban has sparked debate, with players like Kittle arguing for a compromise. The NFL’s firm stance, as outlined in the memo, suggests little room for negotiation, but the league may face challenges enforcing the ban, particularly if players attempt to use personal supplies. The 2017 ESPN report estimating 70-80% usage indicates the practice’s prevalence, making compliance a potential issue. The NFL may need to implement random checks or penalties to ensure adherence, further shaping its safety culture.
Broader Implications: Lessons and Adaptation
The smelling salts ban represents a pivotal moment for the NFL, balancing player safety with cultural traditions. For players like George Kittle, the ban is a personal challenge, requiring adaptation to maintain mental focus without a familiar tool. His public reaction, amplified by X posts like @mercnews on August 5, 2025, reflects a broader sentiment among players who view smelling salts as integral to their preparation. The ban also underscores the NFL’s commitment to concussion prevention, a response to years of criticism and legal battles over head injuries.
For the NFL, the ban is an opportunity to reinforce its player safety initiatives, potentially reducing the risk of misdiagnosed concussions and enhancing trust among fans and medical professionals. However, the league must address player pushback and ensure that teams have access to alternative methods for maintaining alertness. The sports science community may see increased demand for safe, effective substitutes, driving innovation in athlete preparation. The ban also prompts a broader conversation about athlete autonomy versus league oversight, a tension that will shape future policies.
Conclusion
The NFL’s ban on smelling salts for the 2025 season marks a significant step toward prioritizing player safety, driven by concerns over concussion symptoms and the FDA’s 2024 warning. George Kittle’s vocal opposition, expressed on August 5, 2025, highlights the challenge of changing a long-standing tradition, with 70-80% of players historically relying on ammonia inhalants. The ban will force teams and players to adapt, potentially reshaping game-day routines and concussion protocols. For the San Francisco 49ers and other teams, the 2025 season will test their ability to maintain performance without smelling salts, while the NFL reinforces its commitment to health and safety. As Kittle and his peers navigate this change, the league’s focus on neurological health offers a path toward a safer future, even as it sparks debate about tradition and autonomy.
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