Pittsburgh Steelers star Aaron Rodgers has risked the wrath of the NFL after being caught using a banned substance mid-game.
On Sunday night, Rodgers suited up against his former side, the Green Bay Packers, as the Steelers looked to bounce back from defeat against the Bengals a week prior.
However, instead of his performance, many fans found themselves talking about a controversial moment involving the veteran signal caller.
During the game, eagle-eyed fans – and NBC’s broadcast cameras – caught the moment when Rodgers used smelling salts in between plays.
The incident comes just a week after Rodgers was seen using the smelling salts during their dramatic 33-31 loss against Cincinnati.
The repeated incidents have caused concern among some fans, given the NFL had banned smelling salts earlier this year amid concern over player safety.
Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Rodgers was seen using smelling salts against the Packers
Rodgers suited up against his former side, the Green Bay Packers, on Sunday night
It caused unhappiness from players throughout the league – San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle dropped the news in a live interview on NFL TV and asked for a solution to be found.
Kittle gatecrashed the NFL Network’s set at the 49ers practice facility and said: ‘I honestly just came up here to air a grievance.
‘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.’
But the NFL rules simply prohibited teams offering players the salts. Players can still bring their own to games.
The NFL revealed that the memo sent to teams read: ‘In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy.
‘The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.
‘As a result, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL.’
Rodgers sniffed some smelling salts before throwing a touchdown pass last week
The FDA previously warned smelling salts ‘can quickly lead to coughing and throat irritation’
The stimulant has previously been endorsed by Joe Rogan, who spoke at length about smelling salts during a podcast episode three years ago.
Rogan initially tried the product himself – along with comedian Theo Von – and struggled to deal with the intensity that they provided.
However, Rogan encouraged his producer to try the stimulant. He said: ‘You should take a hit! It’s not that bad. It’s not painful’.
Rogan later posted a clip onto his Instagram with the caption: ‘Our first experience with smelling salts. The great and powerful @theovon and I took a whiff of @jujimufu’s good stuff.
‘Shoutout to my friend @worlds_strongest_gay for the introduction to these fine olfactory stimulators. Holy s*** was that intense’.
