The NFL Network set had a surprise visitor when All-Pro tight end George Kittle crashed the party.The crew was interviewing Kittle’s teammate, star linebacker Fred Warner, when the tight end decided to pop in for a quick moment and reveal some interesting news.X/@MIKEGARAFOLOKittle crashed the party during a live hit on NFL Network[/caption]Kittle says the NFL has banned smelling salts and ammonia packets, as of Tuesday afternoon, although the NFL has not released a statement on the matter.“I considered retirement,” Kittle joked. “We have to figure out a middle ground.”Smelling salts and ammonia packets don’t boost one’s performance, but rather supply a jolt of adrenaline, similar to the feeling of someone dumping a bucket of ice on your head. Harmless, but effective.However, according to Kittle, they are no longer permitted. Players would sniff smelling salts and ammonia packets on the sideline before taking the field as a way to ‘wake up.’It is unclear exactly why the league has decided to ban such innocuous products.Kittle always plays like his hair is on fire, and no doubt enjoyed the sudden jolt of electricity that the salts and ammonia provided. It’s easy to see why he joked about retirement.The 31-year-old is heading into his ninth NFL season, and is coming off a second-team All-Pro year. He is still in the midst of his prime.In 2024, Kittle had 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. San Francisco extended Kittle to a new contract this offseason that made him the highest-paid player at his position.It was a four-year contract extension worth $76.4million.However, the 49ers struggled as a whole, going just 6-11 and missing out on the postseason entirely, one year after reaching the Super Bowl.Kittle is one of the best tight ends in the entire league, if not the bestGettyIt will be up to Purdy and Kittle to get the 49ers back on track this seasonGettyAll eyes will be on franchise quarterback Brock Purdy and how he performs after signing a five-year, $265m contract extension that includes $182.55m guaranteed.There is no more Mr. Irrelevant – he’s now the man in San Francisco, and he’s being paid like it.Luckily for him, he has an offensive-minded head coach in Kyle Shanahan who has completely catered the offense to Purdy’s strengths and knows exactly how to get the most out of his franchise quarterback.Not to mention the weapons at Purdy’s disposal: Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings.While All-Pro weapon Deebo Samuel may no longer be in the Bay Area, the cupboard is far from bare.Now it’s on Purdy to help deliver a Super Bowl to San Francisco, something that hasn’t been done in shockingly over 30 years for the legendary franchise. NFL's Greatest......Ranking the top 10......Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and moreTight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?The 49ers’ last Super Bowl victory came in the 1994 season, in Super Bowl XXIX, when they plastered the San Diego Chargers 49-26.However, since Purdy took over as the starter three seasons ago, they have been very close. The 49ers have made two NFC championship games and one Super Bowl, while also winning the NFC West twice, with Purdy at the helm.Last year was a season from hell, as injuries derailed their entire season. Now it’s on Purdy, Kittle, Warner and the cast of stars to course correct and rebound from 2024.They have all the makings to make another deep run, the only thing is, Kittle won’t have his smelling salts this time around.