The NFL changes its rules every year. The lords of football reshape the game in big and small ways. The kickoff rules have received most of the attention over the last two years because the league wants to reduce concussions and high-impact injuries from players running into each other at full speed.
However, there are more subtle and sometimes unnoticed rule changes that the public doesn’t know or hear about unless they directly affect players in ways rarely discussed.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle crashed NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo’s set at Niners camp to discuss the NFL’s latest rule change.
What Rule did the NFL Change?
The NFL banned the smelling salts and ammonia packets (ammonia inhalants or “AIs”) that players use to help them stay focused during games.
After crashing on stage and grabbing a mic, Kittle said, “I just came here to air a grievance.
Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I have been distraught all day.”
#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
“I considered retirement,” Kittle said. “We have to figure out a middle ground. Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea.”
George Kittle crashed the NFL Network set to drop the news that the league banned smelling salts and ammonia packets today — and he admits he uses them every single drive. pic.twitter.com/1orx0wzhOa
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 5, 2025
Fred Warner interjected, “He even said it: He’s not practicing anymore.”
“We have to figure out a middle ground,” Kittle said. “Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea.”
Whether or not Kittle was joking about retiring, he was serious about how much he would miss them. When asked how often the PFSN’s No. 40-ranked IMPACT player used them, he said, “I’m an every-drive guy.”
Smelling salts have been a stimulant since at least the 13th century. They were ubiquitous in boxing for decades, but were banned years ago because their use can mask a more serious injury.
That’s the same rationale the NFL used to ban them.
From the memo from the NFL to teams today on what @gkittle46 mentioned on our air regarding the banning of ammonia inhalants. pic.twitter.com/j63pLSdk5R
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 5, 2025
Smelling salts come in individually wrapped ampules filled with ammonia, alcohol, water, and oil. Historically, they have been used on people who feel faint and have been a popular stimulant for weight lifters, hockey players, and fainting Victorian women.
They pack a powerful punch in the short term. The ammonia triggers an inhalation reflex and, for some users, a feeling of euphoria and alertness. Hence, their popularity with football players.
The FDA issued a warning in 2024: “The lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy.”
The memo goes on to say that smelling salts and ammonia inhalants can mask concussion symptoms and neurological signs of damage to the brain.
Teams and their medical staffs, personnel, trainers, coaches, physicians, or anyone affiliated with the team can no longer provide ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, or any form of smelling salts.
The ban is effective immediately.
