The star tight end joked about his previous usage of the now-banned ammonia inhalants, saying he used them before “every drive”

George Kittle brought the jokes and aired his “grievances” while in a surprise guest spot on the NFL Network on Tuesday.

The San Francisco 49ers tight end popped into the frame during the outlet’s interview with Niners linebacker Fred Warner.

“I honestly just came up here to air a grievance,” Kittle, 31, said. “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 then interjected, laughing: “He even said, he’s not practicing anymore.”

Kittle’s comments came in the wake of a memo sent by the NFL to teams in which they outlined a new rule that prohibits them from “providing or supplying ammonia in any form,” according to ESPN.

The ban is now in effect before and throughout games, as well as during halftime — both in the locker room and along the sidelines.

“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 memo obtained by ESPN said. “The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use.

AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.”

The FDA warned at the time that smelling salts have led to “adverse events such as shortness of breath, seizures, migraines, vomiting, diarrhea, and fainting.”

In the interview, Kittle said he was an “every-drive guy” regarding his previous usage of smelling salts.

“I considered retirement,” Kittle said jokingly. “We have got to figure out a middle ground here, guys.

Somebody help me out. Somebody come up with a good idea. That’s all I had to get out there. Get that off my chest.”