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NFLPA clarifies policy change, confirms players can use smelling salts

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz08/07/25NickSchultz_7
NFL Players Association NFLPA logo
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFLPA said the NFL’s smelling salts ban only applies to teams providing it to players, according to a message obtained by ESPN. That means players can still use the substances.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle brought the ban to the forefront Tuesday when he joked he considered retirement when he found out he wouldn’t be able to use smelling salts. That led to more reactions, including from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who said he was going to be “severely affected.”

However, it turns out players can continue using smelling salts and ammonia capsules. The NFLPA said it did not know about the guidance until the memo came out, but confirmed teams simply cannot provide them to players. As a result, smelling salts are here to stay, so long as players bring their own.

“The NFL Players Association is aware of the memo issued by the league Tuesday regarding the use of smelling salts and ammonia capsules,” the NFLPA said. “We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out. To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player us 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.”

In its memo, the NFL cited concerns about whether smelling salts or ammonia capsules can mask concussion symptoms. It said the ban applied to club personnel and applied to the locker room, as well as game days.

“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 league memo read, via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. “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.”

The reaction was swift. Kittle, in particular, was not happy with the memo. He walked up to the NFL Network set to make his thoughts clear, saying he uses smelling salts every drive.

“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. I considered retirement. I considered it. We’ve got to figure out middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea.”