Just a few weeks before the start of the 2025 NFL season, the NFL has issued a pretty significant ban on one particular substance regularly used by players during games and practices.
On Tuesday, the NFL sent an official memo to all teams, banning the use of ammonia packets, commonly known as smelling salts.
The decision comes following an FDA warning to producers and consumers about a lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of ammonia inhalants marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy, while also citing some negative effects of the substances.
The NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee recommended the move to the league, citing the FDA warning and concerns that the smelling salts could work to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of a concussion.
"In light of this information, effective for the 2025 NFL season, clubs are prohibited form providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games," the NFL wrote in the memo to teams via Pro Football Talk.
"For clarity, ‘ammonia' refers to ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup and any form of ‘smelling salts.' This prohibition applies to call club personnel (including but not limited to team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and coaches or other personnel). This 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."
While the decision is obviously backed by science and is in the interest of player safety, at least one player is not happy about the move as San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle revealed that he has previously used smelling salts on every drive.
"I considered retirement. We have to figure out a middle ground," Kittle jokingly said.
NFL Issues Major Ban Ahead of 2025 Season first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 6, 2025
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