NFL Halts Smelling Salt Provision, Allowing Players to Bring Their Own

As of August 20th, 2025, the NFL has taken a significant step in addressing the use of smelling salts by players. The league has decided to stop providing these stimulants to players, as there are concerns that they may be used to mask the symptoms of concussions.

This decision comes after 49ers tight end George Kittle recently highlighted the issue during a training camp appearance on NFL Network. Kittle's head coach, Kyle Shanahan, has also commented on the matter, stating that he doesn't "overthink it too much" but is not worried about the league no longer providing smelling salts.

While the NFL has halted the distribution of smelling salts, the league's players association has reminded players that they can still bring their own to games if they choose to do so. This raises concerns, as the use of smelling salts to mask concussion symptoms could still be a problem.

The article notes that it is "amazing" that it took so long for the league to stop providing smelling salts, and the next step is for the players' union to recognize that not allowing players to supply them would be a "win-win outcome" for both labor and management. The issue of player safety and the use of smelling salts to potentially conceal concussions remains an ongoing concern for the NFL.