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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.

VIDEOS: https://x.com/DynastyDorks/status/1972445065772728803

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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Patrick Queen Confirms Star WR Eagles Rejected Ravens to Work Out with Steelers - Awaiting Medical Check
Pittsburgh, PA – As the 2025 NFL trade deadline heats up with the November 4 cutoff approaching, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen has publicly confirmed that wide receiver DeVonta Smith – the struggling star from the Philadelphia Eagles – turned down an invitation from the Baltimore Ravens to instead participate in a workout with the Steelers. This revelation came from Queen in a recent interview, sparking speculation about a potential trade deal, contingent on Smith passing an upcoming medical examination. This is the latest development in the rumors surrounding the Steelers' efforts to upgrade their wide receiver position after trading Diontae Johnson in the offseason. Source: https://x.com/CarneyMedia/status/1974569559236727034 According to Queen, who previously played for the Ravens before signing a 3-year, $41 million contract with the Steelers in 2024, Smith received an offer from Baltimore but chose to decline in favor of the opportunity in Pittsburgh. "I know DeVonta said no to the Ravens because he sees the Steelers as a better fit for his development," Queen shared on his personal podcast, emphasizing the connections between Smith and the Steelers' coaching staff. Queen, who has expressed disappointment over the Ravens not offering him a new contract, suggested that Smith's decision reflects "dissatisfaction with how the Ravens handle young players." This adds extra drama as Queen is set to face his former team in the upcoming Steelers vs. Ravens matchup. DeVonta Smith, who is experiencing the slowest start of his career with just 18 receptions and 289 yards through the first four games of the 2025 season, is facing frustration at the Eagles due to his limited role in the red zone under coordinator Kellen Moore. Along with A.J. Brown, the Eagles' expensive WR duo (each over $50 million) is rumored to be on the trade block to alleviate salary cap burdens, with Smith seen as the more feasible candidate thanks to his speed and route-running skills that would complement DK Metcaf in Pittsburgh. Sources from NFL executives indicate the Eagles rejected offseason offers for Smith, but the recent loss to the Denver Broncos (where Brown and Smith combined for only 6 yards in the first half) has ramped up the pressure. The Steelers, boasting a 3-1 start to the season under GM Omar Khan – renowned for big deals like acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick – are "heavily monitoring" the situation in Philadelphia, according to a report from Carney Media on X. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith previously coached Smith in Tennessee, while assistant GM Andy Weidl was involved in drafting him at the Eagles, creating a natural connection. However, everything hinges on the results of Smith's medical check, scheduled for this week, to ensure he has no issues from recent injuries. The Eagles have not officially commented on the rumors but have affirmed there are no plans to trade Smith before the deadline. Meanwhile, Queen wrapped up his interview with encouragement: "If DeVonta comes here, he'll be the perfect piece for our offense." With the Eagles currently on their bye week, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting to see if this workout leads to a contract, potentially shifting the AFC North landscape. The Steelers will face their next opponent while awaiting updates from the medical check.