Bad News For NFL Players As The League Has Banned The Use Of Smelling Salts
For some reason when I hear the words smelling salts, I envision a southern, older woman vigorously waving a fan while clutching her pearls. But I guess the salts aren’t just for overstimulated, little old ladies. Apparently they are in heavy use by big, athletic football players too. But there is bad news for NFL players as the league has banned the use of smelling salts. Athletes have been using the smelling salts for years to boost their performance.
What are smelling salts anyway? They can come in bottled powders or packets that feature ammonia and other chemicals. Generally they are waved under the nose of a fainting victim to bring them around. But in the case of athletes they help them to become more alert before or during a game which leads to boosting their performance. Inhaling the ammonia fumes triggers a reaction that sends a jolt of adrenaline throughout the body, while also clearing out nasal passages.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was none too pleased to hear the news. In fact, he helped to break the story to NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo who posted:
“George Kittle just crashed our set to break news that the NFL banned smelling salts and ammonia packets today. Says he uses them every drive. “I considered retirement. We have to figure out a middle ground.”
But Kittle is yet to be disappointed again because there will be no middle ground. The league has banned smelling salts, citing a player-safety issue. According to Pro Football Talk, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of ammonia inhalants for any purpose after an FDA warning last year, and the league sent a memo to all teams.
Bad News For NFL Players As The League Has Banned The Use Of Smelling Salts
This was also confirmed by NFL on ESPN who posted: “The NFL is banning the use of “smelling salts” during games, saying the products aren’t proven to be safe and also could mask signs of a concussion, according to a memo the league sent to teams on Tuesday. The ban comes as a result of FDA warnings that were issued in 2024.”
The NFL memo that the league sent out added more clarification on the ban stating:
“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). This 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.”
Players will now have to find a new way to get their motors running.
***UPDATE***
Per senior NFL writer Kalyn Kahler:
“ESPN has obtained a message the NFLPA sent to players Wednesday night- clarifying that the league’s ban on smelling salts ONLY applies to clubs providing it to players. Meaning… BYOSS.”
“We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out,” the union’s message said. “To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us.”
This update should be a relief for George Kittle and other players lol!
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