George Kittle breaks news NFL has banned smelling salts, considers retirement

49ers tight end George Kittle played the role of NFL news breaker today, crashing an interview to share that the league has officially banned smelling salts and ammonia packets from the sidelines. NFL players have long relied on these tools to keep them sharp in the fog of war, and Kittle was not happy about the situation.

George Kittle said the decision caused him to consider retirement:

George Kittle crashed the NFL Network set to drop the news that the league banned smelling salts and ammonia packets today — and he admits he uses them every single drive. pic.twitter.com/1orx0wzhOa

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 5, 2025

I mean, can you blame the guy? I’ll take any opportunity to shit on a member of the 49ers, but I’m on his side with this one.

Smelling salts are one of man’s greatest weapons in the battle against the self. I’m even known to partake out on the golf course when either my poor play, the heat, or both are getting to me.

Unfortunately, this is yet another example of gross overreach by the league office. Hopefully the league and the players can come to some sort of agreement, because this could end up having catastrophic effects around the league.

Gear up in the TLL Shop