The NFL banned smelling salts. Here's why

Michal Ruprecht

August 07, 2025 / 2:00 am

NFL players will no longer be able to use smelling salts to get a quick jolt of alertness on the field. On Tuesday, the NFL announced the substance was banned for safety reasons.

The league cited a warning from the FDA released last year, informing consumers that smelling salts — often marketed to increase alertness and energy — have not been proven to be safe or effective for that purpose.

In addition to general safety concerns, the NFL noted the substance can mask symptoms of a concussion. Recent estimates suggest one concussion occurs every two NFL games .

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle first revealed the ban in an interview with NFL Network on Tuesday, noting that he was "di

See Full Page