Former Premier League striker Fraizer Campbell has revealed that he became addicted to snus during his professional football career, saying the habit left him feeling constantly fatigued.
The 39-year-old, who previously played for Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Hull City, Sunderland, Cardiff City and Crystal Palace, discussed his experience during an appearance on The Sports Agents podcast.
Campbell said he was first introduced to snus while playing for Crystal Palace between 2014 and 2017. A teammate offered him the tobacco-based nicotine product, which is placed between the upper lip and gum, as a way to relax after matches.
Habit Started After Matches Before Spreading to Training Days
Campbell explained that he initially used snus because it helped him unwind after the physical and mental demands of a game.
He said the product made him feel relaxed, particularly after matches when he found it difficult to settle down.
However, what began as occasional use after games gradually became a regular habit. Campbell said he started using snus after training sessions and eventually developed a dependency that led him to consume it more frequently.
He admitted that he did not immediately recognise how the habit was developing into an addiction.
Former Striker Experienced Afternoon Energy Slumps
Campbell said his dependence on snus was accompanied by periods of exhaustion, particularly during the afternoon.
Although he sometimes used the product in the morning before heading to the training ground, he avoided it on match days because of its relaxing effects.
He explained that he was naturally a calm person and felt that using snus before a game could leave him too relaxed to perform at the required intensity.
Campbell said his consumption increased after he retired from professional football because he had more free time to use the product.
He added that he had not fully appreciated its negative effects while he was still playing.
Campbell Says He Has Been Six Months Without Snus
The former forward said he eventually decided to address the addiction after experiencing persistent fatigue.
Campbell confirmed that he had been free from snus for six months, marking a period of recovery from the habit he developed during his playing career.
He acknowledged that he had been addicted and described how the pattern of use had intensified over time, from occasional consumption after matches to more regular use during the day.
Study Highlights Nicotine Use Among Professional Footballers
A study commissioned by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in 2024 found that one in five top-level footballers used snus, nicotine pouches or both.
The research highlighted concerns about nicotine dependence and potential health effects associated with these products. The report also cited possible oral health problems, cardiovascular issues and an increased risk of oesophageal and pancreatic cancer compared with non-smokers.
PFA Introduces Confidential Support for Players
Earlier this month, the PFA launched a confidential support pathway designed to help members who want to stop using snus, nicotine pouches and vapes.
The organisation said nicotine use was becoming an increasingly common issue among professional footballers and pointed to research conducted with Loughborough University to assess the scale of the trend.
According to the PFA, its findings indicated that although use of snus and nicotine pouches was widespread among players, most users who took part in the research wanted to stop.
