George Kittle speaks on out NFL’s smelling salts, ammonia ban

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle "aired his grievance" with the NFL's new ban of smelling salts and ammonia.

Aug 5, 2025, 5:06 PM Updated: Aug 6, 2025, 10:36 am

Watch: 49ers breakdown halfway through pre-season | Hard Rock Sports Round Table | 33 mins

“I honestly just came up here to air a grievance,” George Kittle said as he interrupted NFL Network’s interview with fellow San Francisco 49ers teammate Fred Warner.

“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,” he continued.

Kittle seemingly broke the news to the NFL world, lightheartedly saying he considered retirement and that they “need to come up with a middle ground.”

San Francisco’s six-time Pro-Bowl tight end is entering his eighth NFL season, and their 2025 preseason debut is set for Saturday against the Denver Broncos.

According to ESPN, the memo listed FDA warnings as the reason for prohibiting teams.

In the memo, beginning this season, teams are prohibited from “providing or supplying ammonia in any form.” That includes ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup and any form of “smelling salts.” It applies to the entirety of a game, including pregame activities and halftime, and applies in the locker room and on the sideline.

According to the memo, the ban comes as a result of FDA warnings that were issued in 2024.

“In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AAIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy,” the memo says. “The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.

“As a result, the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during NFL play.”

“49ers’ George Kittle bemoans NFL’s new ban of smelling salts” by ESPN’s Nick Wagoner

More San Francisco 49ers coverage on Sactown Sports

With the San Francisco 49ers set to kick off their 2025 NFL preseason Sunday night against the Denver Broncos, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media in Santa Clara following Monday’s practice.

He discussed the decision to waive Greg Joseph, leaving Jake Moody as their lone kicker along with a lengthy injury update.

Plus, prior to their preseason matchup, the 49ers will begin joint practice with Denver this Thursday.

Shanahan acknowledged the value of combining teams as he coordinates with Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton to optimize their time together.

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