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The league sent a memo to teams on Tuesday
explaining the decision to ban smelling salts and any other
ammonia inhalant during pregame activities, games and halftime
on the sideline or locker rooms.
“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 AIs, regarding the lack
of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed
for improving mental alertness or boosting energy,” according to
the memo obtained by The Associated Press. “The FDA noted
potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the
potential to mask certain neurologic 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 play in the NFL.”
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle first disclosed the
ban during an interview with NFL Network on Tuesday, adding that
he hoped the league would relent and "figure out a middle
ground.”
That won't happen, according to the memo, which explicitly
prohibits any club personnel from providing or supplying
products such as ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup,
and any form of “smelling salts.”
Smelling salts and other similar products have been a staple on
NFL sidelines for years with many players believing they can
provide a sudden jolt of energy or alertness.
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