NFL Bans Smelling Salts for Player Safety

League Cites FDA Concerns, Eliminates Use Starting 2025 Season

The National Football League is prohibiting the use of smelling salts across all club personnel, effective for the 2025 season. This decision stems from player safety concerns raised by the Food and Drug Administration and the league’s own Head, Neck, and Spine Committee.

Ammonia Inhalants Under Scrutiny

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle revealed the league’s new directive to NFL Media. He mentioned that he personally utilized ammonia packets on every drive. The ban covers all forms of ammonia, including capsules, inhalers, and cups, impacting players and staff alike.

The FDA issued a warning last year regarding commercially available ammonia inhalants. The agency cited a lack of scientific evidence supporting their safety or effectiveness for boosting alertness and noted potential adverse effects. This advisory prompted the NFL’s committee to re-evaluate the substances.

Potential for Masking Concussions

A significant concern for the NFL’s Head, Neck, and Spine Committee is the potential for ammonia inhalants to mask critical neurological signs and symptoms, particularly those indicative of a concussion. This worry factored heavily into the decision to implement a complete ban.

The league communicated the new policy via a memo to all teams, leaving no room for interpretation. The prohibition is comprehensive, covering all pregame activities, halftime, and extending to the sidelines and locker rooms.

League Directive Leaves No Room for Negotiation

The NFL’s memo stated unequivocally: “In light of this information, effective for the 2025 NFL season, clubs are prohibited form providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games.” The directive further clarified that this prohibition applies to all club personnel, reinforcing the league’s commitment to player well-being.

This move aligns with a broader trend in professional sports to scrutinize and limit substances perceived to offer artificial advantages or pose health risks. For instance, a 2023 study published in the *Journal of Athletic Training* explored the physiological effects of stimulants on athletic performance, highlighting the ongoing debate around performance enhancement methods.