NFLPA Clarifies Smelling Salts Rule After League’s Ban Announcement
BREAKING NEWS: The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has just clarified the status of smelling salts, following reports of a ban by the NFL ahead of the 2025-26 season. Contrary to initial implications, players will still be able to use smelling salts, provided they acquire them independently.
In a statement released earlier today, the NFLPA emphasized the key details of the new policy. “We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out,” the NFLPA said, citing a report from ESPN. “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 NFL’s original memo indicated the ban was influenced by a 2024 warning from the FDA regarding ammonia inhalants, which are present in smelling salts. The FDA cautioned that these substances could obscure crucial neurologic signs and symptoms, including potential indicators of concussion.
Smelling salts, long utilized across various sports for their energizing effects, have become a staple for athletes. The clarification from the NFLPA has alleviated concerns for many players, including 49ers tight end George Kittle, who humorously expressed his distress over the initial ban. Kittle, appearing on NFL Network’s “Inside Training Camp,” stated, “I’ve been distraught all day. 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.”
The swift response from the NFLPA is crucial, as it highlights the ongoing dialogue between the league and its players regarding safety protocols and performance enhancement practices. Players can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they can still use smelling salts during games and practices.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, attention will now shift to how teams will adapt to this new rule and what measures they will implement to ensure player safety while respecting their preferences. The NFLPA’s clarity on this issue not only satisfies player concerns but also underscores the importance of communication within the league as it navigates evolving health guidelines.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
