NFL Reportedly Bans Ammonia and Smelling Salts, George Kittle Jokes About Retirement

The NFL reportedly is doing away with smelling salts and ammonia inhalants.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that the league sent out a memo to teams regarding the matter.

The memo states that "the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AI), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety of efficacy of AIs marked for improving mental alertness or boosting energy."

The memo also noted that AIs "have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms," like signs of concussions. According to the memo, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended banning 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," the memo read. "For clarity, 'ammonia' refers to ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of 'smelling salts.'

The ban applies to "all club personnel" and applies through the entirety of games, including during pregame activities, halftime and on the sideline.

One player is already unhappy about the ban.

According to Garafolo, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle said he used smelling salts and ammonia packets on every drive and joked that he's thought about retirement in light of the news.

“I considered retirement," Kittle said. "We have to figure out a middle ground.”

Kittle is likely not the only player who relies on smelling salts and ammonia for a boost of energy before drives, and he and plenty of others will now have to find a new method.