George Kittle hilariously responds to false alarm on smelling salt ban

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was outspoken about his disappointment when he believed that smelling salts were being banned by the NFL.

However, the league has clarified that they are not banned and Kittle had a perfect reaction.

Responding to a social media post from ESPN reporter Adam Schefter on the matter, Kittle made clear his joy about the clarification with a classic Robert Redford GIF:

Kittle went so far as to jokingly threaten retirement over the perceived ban on smelling salts. He said he uses them before every offensive possession to give him a boost of energy, so it is understandable why he would be a bit miffed when he believed they were banned.

Now, it seems that the NFL's policy is that teams cannot supply smelling salts to players, but players themselves are still able to use them if they acquire them on their own. It seems like a bit of a silly rule, but it at least allows players to continue using something many have grown accustomed to.

One would think that with the energy and good humor Kittle approaches the game with, he would not need smelling salts to get himself going. Yet, even the most high-energy of players could still use a little boost now and then.

Kittle is coming off a great 2024 season that saw him catch 78 passes for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. He was rewarded with a four-year contract extension that will keep him with the Niners for the foreseeable future.

The tight end has a chance to do some special things in 2025 and further cement himself as one of the best pass-catchers in the history of the 49ers. That is pretty remarkable when one considers the legends who have played in San Francisco like Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens, but that speaks to how incredible Kittle's career has been up to this point.

No matter what, Kittle is always going to bring high energy and good spirits to the 49ers. The fact that he can still use his beloved smelling salts will only add to that joviality and should thankfully prevent any more retirement talk even if it was solely in jest.