NFL clarifies smelling salts ban after Kittle criticism

After San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle voiced his frustration over the NFL’s ban on ammonia products and smelling salts, the league has issued a detailed clarification.

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) sent a memo to players explaining that the ban only applies to teams and their employees – they are prohibited from distributing smelling salts or ammonia-based products before, during or after games.

“We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out,” the NFLPA stated. “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. If you have any questions, please reach out to your player director.”

The NFLPA sent a message to players Wednesday night, clarifying that the NFL’s ban on smelling salts ONLY applies to clubs providing it to players in any form, per ESPN.

The policy does NOT prohibit players from using those substances on their own. pic.twitter.com/ypkAGAEQFP

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 7, 2025

The original NFL communication barred any team personnel from supplying items such as ammonia capsules, inhalants or any form of smelling salts, citing a warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over concerns that such products could mask concussion symptoms.

The use of smelling salts in the NFL

Smelling salts are typically used to revive individuals who have fainted or lost consciousness. However, they are also commonly used in sports such as powerlifting, rugby and ice hockey.

In the NFL, their use goes back decades, often employed to rouse players knocked out by heavy hits. In 2005, Michael Strahan told The Florida Times-Union that around 80% of the league used them.