What is Josh Allen chewing, and why is it banned by the NFL?
Josh Allen found a bizarre new way to get fired up before making history at Highmark Stadium.
The Buffalo Bills opened their new Highmark Stadium on the right foot, delivering an explosive performance from the first quarter against the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football .
Josh Allen wrote the first page of the building’s history by scoring the inaugural touchdown in the new stadium on a one-yard run. Minutes later, the quarterback connected with wide receiver Joshua Palmer on a deep touchdown pass to push the lead to 14-0 in the opening period .
Before the game, Allen emphasized the importance of staying locked in on a special night for the Bills fan base, knowing the Bills Mafia would make its presence felt in the stands.
“Every time I step out into a home game, you want to feel that excitement and energy, whether it’s at old Highmark or new Highmark,” Allen said. “I get the same feeling regardless of what stadium we’re playing in. So again, the goal is the goal, and that’s to go 1-0.”
Beyond his plays on the field, the Buffalo quarterback drew attention for a peculiar moment before entering the game.
Josh Allen caught chewing smelling salts during Bills-Lions
Amazon Prime cameras captured Allen on the sideline as he prepared to take the field. What surprised fans was the image of him apparently chewing smelling salts.
The clip quickly went viral on social media and sparked a wide range of reactions over a practice that many assumed was banned in the NFL .
The NFL prohibits teams from providing smelling salts, but players can still use them
The moment raised questions because of the league’s stance on smelling salts, whose primary ingredient is ammonia.
Before the 2025 season , the NFL banned teams from “providing or supplying ammonia in any form during NFL games.”
The memo sent to clubs clarified that the restriction applies to all team personnel, including doctors, athletic trainers, strength coaches, position coaches and any other staff members. It covers the entire game, pregame activities, halftime, the sidelines and the locker rooms.
The rule, however, does not prevent players from bringing and using their own smelling salts.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) issued a clarification stating that the policy “does not prohibit players from using these substances,” and only limits teams from supplying them. The NFL confirmed this interpretation to the union.
