NFL Players Breathe Easy as Smelling Salts Remain Allowed for Personal Use

The NFL has consistently distanced itself from the practice of using smelling salts during games. As a result, we’ve seen this announcement calm the fears of some players like George Kittle and Lavonte David. A team memo was circulated to all 32 clubs prohibiting teams from making ammonia available in any form. This decision led to uncertainty among the players involved about the legality of using these substances in-game.

In the memo, which will take effect for the 2025 season, the NFL emphasized that “clubs are prohibited from providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games.” Players immediately jumped on the memo, assuming it delivered a league-wide ban on smelling salts. This set off a shocking level of confusion across the league.

George Kittle shared his frustration on social media saying, “I’ve been in shambles all day.” His sentiments were a reflection of the many players who count on smelling salts to provide them with a jolt in moments of need during a game. Similarly, Lavonte David voiced his frustration in an interview, saying, “I don’t know what I’m going to do,” when contemplating the implications of the new policy.

The players’ union sought clarification from the league office after the memo’s distribution. In the recent congressional investigations, they raised alarms that the ban would cover players’ use of their own smelling salts. This week, the NFL Players Association unnecessarily doubled down and provided clarity that actually allowed players to continue using smelling salts while playing games. They only need to come with their own creativity.

“The prohibition applies to all club personnel (including but not limited to team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and coaches or other personnel),” the memo stated. The union further clarified, “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.”

At first this memo triggered a nationwide flurry of hysteria. The players can be happy that they are still able to bring their own personal supply of smelling salts on the field this season. The NFL’s directive only applies to team personnel. It prevents clubs from offering these substances due to the harms caused by consuming them.