The 2025 season will introduce some new rules and technology to the NFL, but one change in particular has upset one of the league’s best tight ends.
The San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle interrupted an interview on NFL Network to voice his displeasure over a new rule banning smelling salts.
‘I honestly just came up here to air a grievance,’ Kittle said during an episode of ‘Inside Training Camp Live’ featuring teammate Fred Warner. ‘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.’
Kittle was especially upset because he uses smelling salts often during NFL games.
‘I’m an every drive guy,’ Kittle said. ‘I considered retirement. We got to figure out a middle ground here guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea… I miss those already.’
That’s an under-the-radar change that will impact players across the league. USA TODAY Sports obtained the league memo and here’s what the NFL told teams.
NFL statement on smelling salts
A league official confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that the teams are now prohibited from providing players smelling salts during games. The official declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The memo that the NFL sent to teams today read:
‘In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy. The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion. As a result, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL.
In light of this information, effective for the 2025 NFL season, clubs are prohibited from providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games. For clarity, “ammonia” refers to ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of “smelling salts.” This prohibition applies to all club personnel (including but not limited to team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and coaches or other personnel). The prohibition applies through the entirety of all NFL games, including during all pregame activities, and halftime, and applies on the sideline and in stadium locker rooms.’
NFL players have used smelling salts for years, and it isn’t the first sport to ban them. Many boxing organizations banned them years ago because they can mask a severe injury.