Overview

• The ban covers club-provided ammonia inhalants of any form during all game-day settings, including pregame activities, halftime, sidelines and locker rooms.
• The rule follows a 2024 FDA warning about the lack of safety and efficacy evidence for ammonia inhalants and a recommendation from the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee that they can mask concussion symptoms.
• San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle publicly protested at training camp, saying he used smelling salts on 'every drive' and joking that he considered retirement over the ban.
• The NFL Players Association clarified that while clubs may no longer provide smelling salts, players retain the right to use personal supplies during games.
• The prohibition aligns the NFL with boxing’s existing ban on ammonia inhalants and broader concussion-safety initiatives, reflecting concerns over respiratory irritation and potential neurological harm.