49ers star Kittle condemns NFL after ban on smelling salts

San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle has made his feelings very clear on the NFL’s ban on smelling salts ahead of the new season.

Kittle interrupted his team-mate Fred Warner’s interview to share his frustration after teams were notified earlier that day via memo that the NFL is officially banning the use of ammonia products.

The memo outlines that clubs are now forbidden from “providing or supplying ammonia in any form,” which includes ammonia capsules, inhalers, open cups, and any variation of smelling salts.

The restriction applies not only during games, but also during pre-game warmups, half-time, and within locker rooms and sidelines throughout the event.

The NFL’s decision follows a 2024 warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The league memo explains: “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.

#49ers 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.” pic.twitter.com/g8FJxJ1d5z

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 5, 2025

“The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurological 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 NFL play.”

Not long after learning of the memo, Kittle joined Warner on the NFL Network set at the 49ers’ facility to speak his mind.

“I honestly just came up here to air a grievance,” Kittle said. “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 explained that he frequently relied on smelling salts to give himself an energy jolt before taking the field for offensive series.

“I miss those already,” he added.

The veteran tight end, now entering his ninth NFL season, even joked that the news hit him so hard, he briefly thought about hanging up his cleats.

“I considered retirement,” Kittle said with a laugh. “We have got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea. That’s all I had to get out there. Get that off my chest.”

Kittle has been seen using smelling salts in previous seasons, such as during a 2021 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars – a practice that, until now, was common among many NFL players looking for a quick adrenaline spike.