49ers’ George Kittle Jokes About Retirement as NFL Clarifies Smelling Salts Ban
In a bizarre yet entertaining twist to NFL preseason news, San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle grabbed headlines after joking about retiring over the league’s recent ban on smelling salts — a staple of many players’ pregame rituals. The NFL initially rolled out a ban that left players confused and fans amused, but the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has since stepped in to clarify the situation.
The Smelling Salts Controversy
Smelling salts — ammonia-based inhalants that deliver a quick jolt to the senses — have long been used by NFL players to get “amped up” before games. They don’t enhance performance per se, but they do provide a brief burst of alertness. However, concerns have arisen about their potential health risks, particularly regarding their ability to mask signs of concussions. Following a 2024 warning from the FDA and a recommendation from the NFL’s Head, Neck, and Spine Committee, the league took action.
In early August 2025, the NFL informed teams that they were no longer allowed to supply smelling salts to players during pregame, halftime, or sideline activity. The memo created immediate backlash — and confusion — among players.
George Kittle’s Reaction
Kittle, known for his personality as much as his play, mockingly stormed onto an NFL Network interview set, joking, “I considered retirement.” He laughed as he shared how deeply embedded smelling salts are in his pregame ritual, saying the ban left him “distraught.” Though clearly exaggerating, Kittle’s reaction went viral — fans loved it, and media outlets jumped on the story.
While his comments were tongue-in-cheek, they underscored just how ingrained smelling salts are in NFL culture. Kittle’s emotional reaction — even as a joke — reflected what many players were thinking: Why now, and why the sudden ban?
NFLPA Clarification
Fortunately, the NFLPA quickly clarified the rule, calming the storm. Players are not banned from using smelling salts entirely. The restriction only applies to team-supplied products. If a player brings their own smelling salts, they’re free to use them. This subtle but important distinction cooled tensions and gave players like Kittle a way to maintain their routines.
In short: the NFL is banning teams from distributing the product — not banning the product outright. The rationale is to remove any organizational liability while still respecting personal player preferences.
Conclusion
This quirky controversy shows how even seemingly minor rule changes can make waves in the NFL — especially when it disrupts player routines. George Kittle’s joking threat to retire added a humorous element to what might otherwise have been a mundane policy shift. Thankfully for fans (and the 49ers), Kittle isn’t going anywhere, and he’ll still be able to get his pregame jolt — he’ll just have to pack it himself.
More broadly, the smelling salts situation highlights the delicate balance between safety protocols and preserving the culture of the game. And if Kittle’s sense of humor is any indication, the league — and its stars — will continue to adapt, laugh, and play on.