San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has never been one to shy away from sharing his feelings on—well, anything.
So, when word came down on Tuesday that the NFL has officially banned team distribution of ammonia and smelling salts during games, the six-time Pro Bowler let his thoughts be known on the matter.
Kittle actually somewhat helped with the overall reveal of the memo that was sent to all 32 clubs, as he crashed an NFL Network interview with Niners linebacker Fred Warner to “air a grievance.”
As he does, Kittle was standing behind Warner and cracking jokes, but was then given a microphone, at which point he sounded off on the league’s decision:
Here was #49ers TE George Kittle stating his case for a reconsideration of the banning of smelling salts and ammonia inhalants today. https://t.co/p6WRZArY9L pic.twitter.com/MNZNNjdVT3
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 5, 2025
“I honestly just came up here to air a grievance,” Kittle said. “Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I’ve been distraught all day.”
Warner jumped in at that point, saying, “He even said it. He’s not practicing anymore.”
“I considered retirement,” Kittle continued. “I considered it. We’ve got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea.”
The retirement comment was clearly a joke, but there was undoubtedly a tone to his voice that signified his seriousness on this issue. The 31-year-old admitted to using smelling salts often during games to get himself pumped up, saying twice that he was “an every-drive guy” and that “I miss those already.”
The memo was shared publicly not long after, and using a 2024 memo from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the league explained its reasoning for the ban on ammonia inhalants (AIs), which is a broad umbrella term that covers ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of “smelling salts.”
“The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use,” the memo states. “AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.
“As a result, the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL.”
Again, Kittle isn’t actually going to retire. And while smelling salts may have helped him get a little amped up, one would think his intensity level won’t take a big hit, given all the natural energy that man has on a day-to-day basis.
But he clearly isn’t thrilled with this decision, and there are undoubtedly plenty of others around the league who feel the same way.
