San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle expressed his frustration after the NFL banned smelling salts and ammonia packets for the 2025 season. Kittle broke the news on NFL Network, interrupting an interview with Fred Warner, saying, “I honestly just came up here to air a grievance… I’ve been distraught all day.” A regular user of the stimulants before every drive, he jokingly added, “I considered retirement. We have got to figure out a middle ground.”
The NFL’s decision, detailed in a memo to all 32 teams, cites a 2024 FDA warning about the safety risks and lack of efficacy of ammonia inhalants, including their potential to mask concussion signs. The ban applies to all game-day activities, from pregame to halftime, on sidelines and in locker rooms, effective as of August 06, 2025, at 01:22 PM +07.
Kittle’s 2024 stats—78 receptions, 1,106 yards, and eight touchdowns—highlight his reliance on peak performance, partly aided by smelling salts. The ban has sparked online debates, with fans divided on safety versus tradition. Despite his humorous protest, Kittle’s recent $76.4 million extension with the 49ers ensures his commitment. The league’s focus on player safety may push players to find new ways to stay sharp.
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