The NFL announced Tuesday its teams would be prohibited from distributing smelling salts to its players during the league’s 2025 season.
However, the league did not actually ban the products from being used, as the NFLPA clarified Wednesday.
‘We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out,’ the NFLPA wrote in a message to its players, per ESPN. ‘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.’
The confusion stemmed from the NFL’s initial memo to players, which explained why NFL clubs would no longer be permitted to distribute smelling salts to its players.
‘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.’
Several NFL players took the memo to mean the use of smelling salts had been banned outright. That upset many, including San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who said he was ‘distraught all day’ after reading the memo.
‘I’m an every drive guy,’ Kittle said of his use of smelling salts in an appearance on NFL Network. ‘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.’
After the NFLPA’s clarification, Kittle no longer has to worry about negotiating a middle ground.
He will, however, have to provide his own stash of smelling salts if he wants to continue using them in 2025.