Leave it to George Kittle to turn breaking NFL policy news into a full-blown moment. The San Francisco 49ers tight end didn’t just call in or wait for a press conference — he literally walked onto the NFL Network’s live set mid-segment, grinning like he owned the place, and dropped a bomb:
#49ers George Kittle just crashed the set to break news that the NFL banned smelling salts and ammonia packets today. Says he uses them every drive.
— FootballIsSexy (@Football_IsSexy) August 5, 2025
"I considered retirement. We have to figure out a middle ground." What are your thoughts on this?#nfl #footballissexy… https://t.co/nNM0geFznz
“The NFL just banned smelling salts and ammonia packets… I use them before every drive.”
The surprise interruption had hosts and viewers laughing, but Kittle’s follow-up made it clear he wasn’t entirely joking about the impact.
“I considered retirement. We have to figure out a middle ground.”
📜 The New Rule
A league memo sent to all teams today prohibits any ammonia inhalants — capsules, inhalers, cups, or traditional smelling salts — before, during, or after games. That includes halftime, sidelines, and locker rooms. The policy takes effect immediately (AP News).
The change follows a 2024 FDA warning that ammonia inhalants have no proven performance benefit and may mask concussion symptoms — potentially putting players at risk. The NFL’s Head, Neck & Spine Committee reviewed the data and backed the ban (AP News, ESPN).
💨 Kittle’s Ritual, Interrupted
Kittle admitted he’s been using smelling salts before every single offensive drive — a pre-snap ritual fans rarely see but teammates know well. Losing that, he said, will take some adjustment.
“I’ve been distraught all day… I miss those already.” (SI)
Whether the NFL will consider a “middle ground” is unclear, but for now, smelling salts are out — and Kittle’s dramatic set crash might go down as the most memorable breaking news moment of the preseason.
📌 Sources
- NFL bans smelling salts, citing concussion safety risks – AP News
- George Kittle reacts to smelling salts ban – ESPN
- Kittle jokes about retirement after NFL ban – Sports Illustrated
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