"49ers star discusses retiring after being caught using the NFL's latest prohibited substance, causing a stir in the league"
San Francisco 49ers Extend Brock Purdy and George Kittle Amid NFL Ban on Smelling Salts
The San Francisco 49ers have made significant moves in the off-season, including extending the contract of franchise quarterback Brock Purdy and All-Pro tight end George Kittle.
Brock Purdy has signed a five-year, $265m contract extension, securing his position as the starting quarterback for the 49ers. Purdy, who took over as the starter three seasons ago, has led the team to two NFC championship games, one Super Bowl, and two NFC West titles. With Purdy at the helm, the 49ers are aiming to rebound from their 2024 season and make another deep run.
Purdy will have a strong supporting cast, including Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings. The 49ers are hoping that this talented group of players will help them to overcome the injuries that derailed their 2024 season and propel them towards another Super Bowl victory.
George Kittle has also signed a new contract with the 49ers, making him the highest-paid player at his position. Kittle, who is heading into his ninth NFL season, had a second-team All-Pro year in 2024, with 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. However, the NFL's recent ban on smelling salts and ammonia inhalants has caused some frustration for Kittle, who is known for using smelling salts before every offensive drive for an energy boost.
The NFL banned teams from providing or supplying smelling salts and ammonia inhalants starting in the 2025 season due to a 2024 FDA warning. The FDA highlighted a lack of evidence supporting their safety and efficacy for improving alertness or energy and noted their potential to mask neurological signs of concussion, which poses a player safety risk. The ban applies to team personnel distributing ammonia in any form during games, including pregame and halftime, and in all team areas.
However, the ban does not prohibit players from using smelling salts on their own. Players may bring their own ammonia inhalants but teams cannot supply them. The NFL Players Association clarified this after the initial announcement, easing concerns among players. For players like Kittle, this means they must now self-supply ammonia inhalants, but their ability to use them remains intact.
The 49ers are hoping that the extensions of Purdy and Kittle, along with a healthy season, will help them to end their 30-year drought without a Super Bowl victory. The team last won the Super Bowl in the 1994 season (Super Bowl XXIX). With Purdy at the helm and Kittle as a key weapon, the 49ers are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming season.
[1] NFL bans smelling salts and ammonia inhalants [2] NFLPA clarifies smelling salts ban [3] FDA warns against smelling salts and ammonia inhalants [4] 49ers extend Brock Purdy and George Kittle
- Despite the NFL's recent ban on smelling salts and ammonia inhalants, George Kittle, the highest-paid tight end in the league, will continue to use these as a energy boost, provided he self-supplies the ammonia.
- The San Francisco 49ers are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming season, as they have extended the contracts of Brock Purdy, their star quarterback, and George Kittle, a key weapon on offense.
- The 49ers are hoping that their strong supporting cast, including Purdy, Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings, will help them overcome the injuries that derailed their 2024 season and make another deep run in the NFL, emulating the success they enjoyed in the early 90s when they won Super Bowl XXIX.
