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49ers' Kyle Shanahan Hilariously Admits To Using Smelling Salts Despite Nfl Ban

49ers' Kyle Shanahan hilariously admits to using smelling salts despite NFL ban originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Earlier this month, 49ers star tight end George Kittle expressed his extreme displeasure — to the point of jokingly considering retirement — when the NFL appeared to ban the use of smelling salts at games.

Turns out, the new rule only prevents teams from distributing the popular inhalants, but players can still bring and use their own smelling salts.

After Tuesday’s training camp practice, Kyle Shanahan was asked about the prevalence of smelling salts in the 49ers’ locker room and whether he had any concerns about them, such as the “negative effects” outlined in a recent NFL memo.

“If someone gives me one, I’ll take a smell of the salt,” Shanahan replied with a chuckle. “I’m not too worried about it. I like to take one to wake myself up and lock myself in. If they don’t allow that, I’ll probably shake my head a few times, smack myself and get ready to lock in.

“I don’t overthink it too much, but I’m also not too worried about them not providing it, either. But I feel like George will find a way.”

"I'll take a smell"
Don't be surprised if you see Shanahan whiffing smelling salts on the sideline ???? pic.twitter.com/AVPdWaIe1s
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 19, 2025

Shanahan isn’t the organization’s only non-player who has admitted to using smelling salts on the sideline. General manager John Lynch recently admitted to stashing some in his sport coat and sharing with players to get “ready to go.”

So while Shanahan and Lynch no longer will be permitted to hand them out, perhaps they just will borrow from someone like Kittle instead, who surely will acquire plenty of his own to go around.

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49ers' Kyle Shanahan Hilariously Admits To Using Smelling Salts Despite Nfl Ban

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