NFL Introduces New ‘Bring Your Own Smelling Salts’ Policy To Shirk Legal Liability

The NFL made a surprise announcement recently when it revealed that, among a number of other changes, it was banning the use of smelling salts by players on the sidelines. But as it turns out, there’s a catch.

The league sent a memo to teams stating that “clubs are prohibited from providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games.” The memo explained that the use of smelling salts can mask concussions and that in 2024, the FDA claimed that research does not properly support the safety or efficacy smelling salts for improving mental alertness or boosting energy.

NFL Players Can Still Provide Their Own Smelling Salts

While the NFL banned teams from providing smelling salts to players, it did not state that players can not use smelling salts at all. The NFLPA then clarified that players are still allowed to use them on the sideline, but they must provide their own.

“We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out,” the memo read. “To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us.”

Star NFL Players Were Absolutely Devastated By The NFL ‘Ban’

When news of the NFL’s proposed ban on smelling salts hit, it was widely panned by players, including stars such as San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle.

“I honestly just came up here to air a grievance,” Kittle said during an episode of “Inside Training Camp Live” on NFL Network. “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.

“I’m an every drive guy,” he said of smelling salt usage. “I considered retirement. We got to figure out a middle ground here guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea… I miss those already.”

What Are Smelling Salts And Why Do Players Use Them?

So, what even are smelling salts? And why do players such as Kittle insist on using them?

According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, smelling salts “are any of (the) preparations of ammonium carbonate ((NH4)2CO3H2O) and perfume, sniffed as a restorative or stimulant.”

So, what does that actually mean?

“Smelling salts are used to arouse consciousness because the release of ammonia (NH3) gas that accompanies their use irritates the membranes of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers an inhalation reflex,” the study states. “This reflex alters the pattern of breathing, resulting in improved respiratory flow rates and possibly alertness.”

In short, inhaling the ammonia gas opens the airways and improves the rate of breathing for a short period of time after inhalation.

The same study shows that using smelling salts is unlikely to provide any actual aid in immediate recovery from head trauma. It states that the the concern is that players and doctors will...