George Kittle Crashes NFL Set to Spill: Smelling Salts Are BANNED 😱

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.

"I considered retirement. We have to figure out a middle ground." What are your thoughts on this?#nfl #footballissexy… https://t.co/nNM0geFznz

— FootballIsSexy (@Football_IsSexy) August 5, 2025

“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.

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“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

1. NFL bans smelling salts, citing concussion safety risks – AP News
2. George Kittle reacts to smelling salts ban – ESPN
3. Kittle jokes about retirement after NFL ban – Sports Illustrated