Aaron Rodgers drew attention during Thursday night’s close game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, but not only for his throws.
Cameras picked up the veteran quarterback inhaling what appeared to be a banned substance shortly before a key touchdown that nearly flipped the game.
The primetime matchup between Rodgers and Joe Flacco was unofficially nicknamed the “Unc Bowl” by fans online-a nod to the two experienced QBs squaring off.
And while Rodgers nearly led the Steelers to a win, it was Flacco and the Bengals who pulled ahead 33-31 with a late field goal.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Rodgers was seen using smelling salts on the sideline. Moments later, he connected with Pat Freiermuth on a 68-yard touchdown pass that tied the game.
After the play, Pittsburgh went ahead by one with a successful PAT before Cincinnati sealed the game with a 36-yard kick.
Smelling salts allowed under certain conditions
The moment-Rodgers inhaling deeply, eyes momentarily rolling back, then heading into the huddle-quickly went viral.
While the NFL has rules against team-distributed inhalants like smelling salts, players are permitted to bring and use their own on the field, making Rodgers‘ actions likely within the league’s guidelines.
This isn’t the first time he’s turned to smelling salts during a game. In a previous matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Rodgers used the same routine before finding DK Metcalf for a big gain.
The unusual habit has raised eyebrows, but also curiosity. As long as he remains within the rules, Rodgers seems comfortable sticking to what helps him focus in high-pressure moments-especially when it leads to big plays on the scoreboard.
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