49ers star “distraught” with new NFL rule: “I considered retirement”

The NFL has decided to ban the use of ammonia-based smelling salts due to their harmful effects on players. According to a memo obtained by NFL Network, the league’s decision stems from concerns that the salts may mask the symptoms of a concussion, as stated by the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee.

Kittle responds to NFL salt stance

George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers voiced his displeasure over the ban by crashing a teammate’s interview with NFL Network. Jokingly, the tight end said he was considering retirement and hoped the league would eventually find some middle ground regarding the use of smelling salts.

“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,” he then added with a little smile. ”We’ve got to come up with a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea.”

• How do smelling salts work? Why do athletes use them?

There won’t be any middle ground, however. The league memo prohibits any team personnel from providing or supplying ammonia products, including capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, or any form of “smelling salts.”

FDA had already raised concerns about ammonia inhalants

The NFL memo also notes that in 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings to companiesproducing ammonia inhalants, citing a lack of sufficient evidence that they were effective in boosting alertness or providing an energy surge.

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