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Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf Demands NFL Investigation into Aaron Rodgers After Viral 'Banned Substance' Video

Dublin, Ireland — September 29, 2025 — The fallout from the Pittsburgh Steelers' 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL's first Dublin game has taken a dramatic turn, with Vikings owner Zygi Wilf calling for an immediate league investigation into Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The demand follows a viral video showing Rodgers inhaling a substance moments before his 80-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf in the second quarter.

Wilf, in a strongly worded statement released Monday, accused the Steelers of violating NFL rules on banned substances. “The video is clear—Rodgers was using smelling salts, a prohibited aid, right before making a play that swung the game,” Wilf said. “Player safety and competitive integrity are non-negotiable. We urge the NFL to launch a full probe into this incident and hold all parties accountable.”

The controversial clip, captured by NFL Network cameras, depicts Rodgers cracking open a small vial and taking a deep inhale during a huddle before launching the deep ball to Metcalf, putting Pittsburgh up 14-3. The Steelers (3-1) held on for the win, with Rodgers finishing 18-of-22 for 200 yards and a touchdown. Vikings owner Wilf, whose team fell to 2-1, labeled the moment “unacceptable,” tying it to broader concerns about Rodgers' history of head injuries and the league's 2025 smelling salts ban.

“We’ve seen Rodgers’ past with concussions—2010 Grade 1, 2018 concerns—and this raises red flags about masking symptoms,” Wilf added. “The NFL must investigate to protect the game.” The video has sparked debate on X, with #RodgersSmellingSalts trending and fans divided: some defending it as a common practice, others echoing Wilf's call for scrutiny.

The NFL has not commented, but under league policy, such allegations could lead to fines or staff discipline for the Steelers, though game outcomes remain unaffected. Rodgers dismissed the uproar postgame: “Focus on football—that’s my game.” As the Steelers prepare for Week 5, Wilf’s push puts pressure on Commissioner Roger Goodell to address the controversy, potentially escalating tensions in the NFC North race.

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49ers Drop Bombshell Announcement After NFL’s Shocking Final Ruling on Wild Card Weekend
Santa Clara, California – January 5, 2026 The San Francisco 49ers received the NFL’s official word — and wasted no time making their stance clear. On Sunday night, the league finalized its Wild Card Weekend schedule for the 2025 postseason, confirming that the 49ers, entering as the NFC’s No. 6 seed, will travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the No. 3-seeded Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, January 11, in the late-afternoon window (approximately 3:30–4:30 p.m. ET). The game will air nationally on FOX, placing a high-stakes postseason matchup under the league’s brightest spotlight. The 49ers’ announcement came shortly after the NFL’s release, emphasizing readiness and resolve despite falling short of the NFC West title. In a brief statement from Santa Clara, the team wrote:“Philadelphia. On the road. Playoff football. This is the moment. We’re ready.” San Francisco enters the postseason after a strong but bittersweet regular season finish. The 49ers closed the year at 12–5, securing a Wild Card berth but missing out on the division crown after a Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, who surged to a 14–3 record to claim the NFC West. A tiebreaker loss to the Los Angeles Rams (also 12–5) ultimately pushed the 49ers into the No. 6 seed. Speculation has followed the team in the wake of that late-season setback, particularly regarding consistency and execution against elite competition. Despite a roster loaded with postseason experience, the 49ers now face a demanding road path — beginning in one of the league’s most hostile playoff environments. The stakes extend beyond a single game. Lincoln Financial Field presents a punishing atmosphere, especially in January, where Philadelphia has built its identity around physicality and crowd intensity. With the Eagles hosting, the 49ers face not only a top-seeded opponent but an unforgiving environment where mistakes are rarely forgiven. Still, San Francisco is no stranger to adversity. The franchise has navigated deep postseason runs in recent years, and road playoff victories have become part of its recent identity. With both teams entering with legitimate championship aspirations, the margin for error will be razor thin. The NFL has made its schedule.The 49ers have made their statement. Sunday, January 11.Late afternoon.Philadelphia. The stage is set — for survival, redemption, and a postseason chapter that could define the trajectory of San Francisco’s season.