Smelling salts in the NFL

A deep breath and Ezekiel Elliott's (NFL football player) eyelids begin to flutter, his mouth opens in an unusual way, and his pupils roll back. It is the fourth week of the NFL season, and the kickoff at AT&T Stadium is just moments away. Elliott and several of his Cowboys teammates are preparing for a special, invigorating ritual: inhaling the bracing vapors of smelling salts.

Smelling salts, an ammonia-based substance, were originally developed to prevent or treat fainting. However, NFL players and other athletes now use their decongestant properties and adrenaline-boosting side effects as a legal, simple means of increasing alertness and energy. This practice has established itself as an indispensable part of the game-day ritual, and it is estimated that around 80% of NFL players rely on smelling salts to maximize their performance.

For example, Elliott, the leading player in sacks through four games, uses smelling salts not just before the game, but also before every drive to sharpen his senses and focus on the next play. Their ease of use and immediate effect make smelling salts a popular tool among athletes. "The ammonia wakes you up, opens your eyes," explains Demarcus Lawrence, another defensive star. "When you're sitting on the bench and you start to feel tired, you need something to reactivate your body."

The shared ritual of using smelling salts also creates a sense of camaraderie among the players. It is not uncommon to see entire defensive lines preparing for the next set together by using the salts. These moments of coming together and focusing are crucial for team dynamics and mental preparation for the challenges of the game.

Smelling salts are therefore more than just a means of increasing physical readiness; they are a central component of the players' mental and psychological preparation for the ups and downs of an NFL game day. Their simple application and immediate effect make them a valued tool in the modern sports world.