NFL Bans Smelling Salts During Games Starting 2024 Season

The NFL has banned the use of ammonia inhalants and smelling salts during games starting this season, following FDA warnings about safety and efficacy concerns. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ban, revealing that he regularly used smelling salts to boost energy during games and even considered retirement over the rule change, though he remains committed to playing through 2029. Despite the controversy, Kittle remains one of the NFL's top players, rated 98 overall in Madden NFL 26, with his wife publicly asserting he deserves a perfect rating. Additionally, 49ers fans reacted negatively to a recent publicity stunt where Kittle appeared on stage with country singer Morgan Wallen, who has faced criticism for past racist remarks. Meanwhile, the team made several roster changes, including releasing veteran kicker Greg Joseph, which upset fans who prefer alternatives over Jake Moody, the current kicker. These developments illustrate ongoing tensions between league policies, player preferences, fan reactions, and team management decisions.