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NFL Bans Smelling Salts Amid FDA Warning, Players React

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The NFL issued a memo during training camp banning teams from providing smelling salts, following an FDA warning.
However, players may still use their own ammonia packets because the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) must approve a full ban.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle uses smelling salts before every play and joked about retirement.
He plans to refill a cheese ball bucket for teammates.

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Story summary

The NFL issued a memo during training camp banning teams from providing smelling salts, following an FDA warning.
However, players may still use their own ammonia packets because the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) must approve a full ban.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle uses smelling salts before every play and joked about retirement.
He plans to refill a cheese ball bucket for teammates.