San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle explained his very clear feelings about the ban on the NFL to feel the salts before the new season.
Kittle interrupted the interview with his teammate Fred Warner to share his frustration after the teams were informed earlier in the day via a memo that the NFL officially prohibits the use of ammonia products.
The memo describes that clubs are now prohibited from “providing or providing ammonia in any form”, which includes ammonia capsules, inhalers, open cups and any variation in fragrant salts.
The restriction applies not only during the matches, but also during the pre-match warstlands, half-time and in the locker rooms and the touchlines throughout the event.
NFL’s decision follows a 2024 warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The League memo explains: “In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce ammonia inhalants (AIS) available in the trade, as well as consumers on the purchase and use of AIS, concerning the lack of evidence supporting the safety or effectiveness of the IS marketed to improve mental vigilance or stimulate energy.
# 49ers George Kittle has just crushed our set to announce the news that the NFL has prohibited salts and packets of ammonia today. Said he uses each reader.
“The FDA noted the potential negative effects of using AI. AIS also have the potential to hide certain neurological signs and symptoms, including certain potential signs of concussion.
“Consequently, the committee of the head, neck and spine of the NFL recommended to prohibit the use of the AIS at any end whatsoever during the NFL game.”
Shortly after learning the memo, Kittle joined Warner on the NFL network in the installations of the 49ers to express his mind.
“Honestly, I came here to broadcast a grievance,” said Kittle. “Our team has obtained a memo today that the smells that smell and the ammonia packages were made illegal in the NFL, and I was turned upside down all day.”
Kittle explained that he frequently counted on the smell of salts to give himself an energy shock before taking the ground for offensive series.
“I already miss that,” he added.
The tight veteran, now entering his ninth NFL season, even joked saying that the news struck him so hard, he briefly thought of hanging up his crampons.
“I considered retirement,” said Kittle laughing. “We have to find common ground here, guys. Someone helps me. Someone has a good idea. That’s all I had to go out.
Kittle was seen using fragrant salts in previous seasons, as in a match in 2021 against Jacksonville Jaguars – a practice which, so far, was common among many NFL players in search of a rapid adrenaline peak.
