George Kittle opposes NFL’s ban on smelling salts
- The NFL has banned the use of ammonia and smelling salts for players before and during games, effective immediately.
- George Kittle expressed his dissatisfaction over the ban, stating it negatively affects his game preparation.
- The prohibition raises questions about alternatives for players who relied on these substances for energy boosts.
In Santa Clara, California, on August 5, 2025, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle publicly expressed his discontent regarding a recent NFL directive. The league issued a memo informing teams that the use of ammonia and smelling salts is now prohibited throughout game activities, including pregame and halftime. This decision comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned about the lack of supporting evidence for the efficacy and safety of ammonia inhalants, raising concerns about potential negative health effects, including masking symptoms of concussions. George Kittle interrupted a teammate's interview to share his frustrations, stating he has relied on these substances for a performance boost, and humorously pondered retirement due to this ruling. He and likely other players are now tasked with finding alternative methods to enhance their energy levels on game days, which could lead to a significant impact on player performance. As Kittle enters his ninth season in the NFL, he joins a growing conversation among athletes about the regulations affecting their pre-game rituals and performance enhancers.