During Tuesday's San Francisco 49ers practice, tight end George Kittle made a surprise appearance during an NFL Network interview with linebacker Fred Warner, using the opportunity to voice his displeasure over a recent NFL rule change.
Kittle revealed that the league has notified teams it will ban smelling salts and ammonia packets—items players often use on the sidelines to boost alertness and focus.
"I honestly just came up here to air a grievance," Kittle said in his impromptu guest appearance. "Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I've been distraught all day."
Warner joked that Kittle is so upset that he refuses to practice anymore. Kittle leaned into the humor, quipping, "I considered retirement. I considered it."
Here was #49ers TE George Kittle stating his case for a reconsideration of the banning of smelling salts and ammonia inhalants today. https://t.co/p6WRZArY9L pic.twitter.com/MNZNNjdVT3
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 5, 2025
Of course, retirement isn't in Kittle's plans. The star tight end recently became the highest-paid player at his position, signing a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension in April.
"We've got to figure out a middle ground here, guys," Kittle added. "Somebody helped me out. Somebody come up with a good idea. That's all I had to get out there, get that off my chest."
When asked about his own usage, Kittle admitted, "I'm an every-drive guy."
He added, "I miss those already."