NFL Investigating Steelers After Rodgers Uses Smelling Salts Before 80-Yard Touchdown Pass — New Rule Just Passed
Dublin, Ireland — September 28, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ historic international victory in Ireland has been overshadowed by a brewing controversy. The NFL has officially opened an investigation into whether the Steelers violated the league’s newly implemented restrictions on smelling salts during games.
In the second quarter, cameras captured Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh’s veteran quarterback, reaching into his pocket after breaking the huddle. Rodgers appeared to pull out a small object, inhale sharply, and then compose himself before delivering a perfect 80-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.
The clip quickly went viral, showing what appeared to be smelling salts — a stimulant commonly used to enhance alertness and control breathing.
Rodgers went on to finish the game with an efficient performance: 18 completions on 22 attempts for 200 yards and 1 TD, leading the Steelers to a statement win in their first-ever regular-season contest on Irish soil.
The controversy escalated when replays and sideline cameras captured Aaron Rodgers and offensive tackle Broderick Jones using smelling salts immediately after breaking the huddle on the field. The footage, which spread quickly on social media, fueled suspicions that other Steelers players may also have had access, raising concerns the team violated the NFL’s 2025 policy update.
The new rule, passed this offseason, bans the use of smelling salts during games, allowing them only in training environments. League officials argued that their in-game use could mask early signs of concussions or head trauma, putting players’ long-term health at risk.
In a brief release Sunday night, the NFL confirmed it is “reviewing game footage and sideline protocols” from the Steelers-Vikings matchup in Dublin:
“Player safety remains our highest priority. Any use of banned substances during play will be taken seriously, and discipline will follow if violations are confirmed.”
While no penalties have yet been announced, the investigation could lead to fines, suspensions, or loss of draft picks if the Steelers are found to have knowingly provided smelling salts to players during the game.
For now, the victory stands, but the win has been clouded by scrutiny. Instead of celebrating Rodgers’ vintage deep-ball magic, the Steelers find themselves facing questions about competitive fairness and compliance with league safety standards.
As the NFL era in Ireland begins, so too does another test of the Steelers’ resilience — not just on the field, but in the court of league discipline.
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