Those pungent little capsules packed with ammonia compounds have vanished from NFL sidelines. Once as common as water bottles and athletic tape, smelling salts—designed to deliver a sharp sensory jolt that triggers heightened alertness—are now contraband in professional American football.

The National Football League has banned the use of smelling salts ahead of the 2025 season. The announcement was made via memo to teams on Tuesday, July 6.The decision comes in the wake of