NFL Reportedly To Allow Smelling Salts, Ban Prohibits Teams From Supplying to Players

Even though the NFL updated its policy to ban teams from handing out smelling salts, players are still allowed to use them during games.

In a memo sent out by the NFL Players Association and obtained by ESPN's Kalyn Kahler, it was clarified that the league's new policy doesn't prevent players from using smelling salts and ammonia capsules if they have their own supply.

The news of the NFL's ban on smelling salts was broken by San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle during an appearance on NFL Network when he stated his case for why it should be allowed.

Kittle responded to Wednesday's news with a nod of approval in a post on X:

In the original memo from the NFL sent out to all 32 teams on Tuesday, the league's Head, Neck, and Spine Committee cited a 2024 warning from the Food and Drug Administration about the "potential negative effects" from ammonia inhalants, including masking "some potential signs of concussion" as its reasonKit for recommending bannding the use of AIs "for any purpose" during games.

The league agreed with the recommendation, putting the ban into effect for the 2025 season.

Kittle noted he uses smelling salts prior to each offensive possession for the 49ers. Other players also chimed in lamenting the league's decision. Tampa Bay Buccaneeers quarterback Baker Mayfield told Kay Adams he thought it was a "quick trigger" move by the NFL.

David Fleming wrote a story for ESPN The Magazine in November 2017 detailing how smelling salts had become "an essential part" of game days for players.

Smelling salts are typically used to treat or prevent fainting, but it can also be used as an energy boost and to enhance focus. WebMD notes a typical smelling salt with give off the odor of a "strong, unpleasant version of a household cleaner."