SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Tight end George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers interrupted teammate Fred Warner’s interview on NFL Network on Tuesday afternoon to share some disappointing news regarding the league.
Kittle jumped onto the set to express his concerns about a memo the league sent to teams earlier that morning, announcing a ban on the use of ammonia and smelling salts before and during all NFL games.
As stated in the memo, starting this season, teams are not allowed to “provide or supply ammonia in any way.” This includes ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in cups, and any type of “smelling salts.” The regulation covers the entire duration of a game, from pregame activities to halftime, and is in effect in locker rooms as well as on the sidelines.
According to the communication, the prohibition is a consequence of FDA alerts that were released in 2024.
“In 2024, the FDA warned manufacturers of over-the-counter ammonia inhalants (AIs) along with consumers regarding the acquisition and usage of AAs, highlighting the absence of data that ensures the safety or effectiveness of AIs sold to enhance mental awareness or increase energy,” the communication states. “The FDA identified possible adverse effects linked to AI usage. Moreover, AIs could obscure specific neurological indications and symptoms, including potential concussion signs.”
“Consequently, the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee suggested banning AIs for any utilization during NFL games.”
Just a few hours following the receipt of that memo in San Francisco, Kittle arrived at an NFL Network set at the team’s facility as Warner discussed the forthcoming season.
“I actually came here to express a concern,” Kittle mentioned. “Our team received a memo stating that smelling salts and ammonia packets are now prohibited in the NFL, and it’s been troubling me all day.”
Kittle continued, explaining that he frequently relies on smelling salts for an energy boost before each offensive series, sharing, “I already miss them.”
The tight end, in his ninth year, lightheartedly remarked that the news was upsetting enough to lead him to ponder retirement.
“I thought about hanging up my cleats,” Kittle jested. “We really need to find a compromise here, folks. Someone help me out with this. Someone think of a solid solution. That’s all I wanted to say. Just needed to vent a little.”
