BREAKING: The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has just clarified that players can still use smelling salts despite the NFL’s recent ban on team-provided supplies, a decision that is sure to relieve many athletes. The controversial rule, initially announced for the 2025-26 season, only restricts clubs from providing the salts, allowing players to use their own supplies.
Earlier today, the NFLPA addressed players, stating, “We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out. To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us.”
The original NFL memo, which sparked confusion among players, cited recommendations from the league’s head, neck, and spine committee, referencing a 2024 FDA warning about the potential dangers of ammonia inhalants. The FDA indicated that these substances could mask critical neurological signs, including potential concussion symptoms.
Smelling salts have historically been popular among athletes across various sports as a stimulant to enhance alertness. The NFLPA’s clarification today has undoubtedly saved many players from distress, including San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who humorously expressed his concerns during an appearance on NFL Network’s “Inside Training Camp.”
“I’ve been distraught all day,” Kittle said, reflecting on the potential loss of the stimulants. “I considered retirement. We’ve got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea. I miss those already.”
This latest development highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding player safety and the use of performance-enhancing substances in professional sports. As the league prepares for the upcoming season, players are eager to understand how these changes will affect their performance and well-being on the field.
Fans and players alike will want to stay tuned for further updates as the NFL approaches its 2025-26 season. The implications of this ruling could influence not only the dynamics within teams but also the broader discussions around player safety and sports regulations.
Stay connected for more urgent updates on this developing story.
