Fraizer Campbell reveals his past snus habit, the fatigue it caused and his push for cleaner sport.
In an interview with Sports Agents, former England international Fraizer Campbell opened up about a habit that lingered long after his playing days ended. The 39-year-old, who rose through the Manchester United academy before featuring for clubs such as Tottenham, Hull, Sunderland, Cardiff and Crystal Palace, confessed that he became dependent on snus – a tobacco-based nicotine product typically placed between the upper lip and gumline.
Campbell explained that his first encounter with the product happened while he was at Crystal Palace between 2014 and. A teammate offered him a pouch after a match, and the sensation of calm it produced quickly turned into a ritual.
“I felt relaxed, and it just chilled me out more than anything,” he recalled, adding that the post-match cooldown was the moment he first reached for the nicotine pouch.
Campbell’s admission of snus dependence
What began as an occasional post-game treat soon migrated to training sessions, and eventually to mornings before a full-strength workout.
“I would never have them on a match day because it chilled me out too much,” Campbell said, noting that an excess of relaxation could impair his ability to sprint or jog effectively. The former forward admitted that the habit left him with a “slump in the afternoon” – a wave of exhaustion that he later traced back to his consistent snus use.
When asked about the timeline of his addiction, Campbell described a gradual escalation: “It started off just after games, then training sessions, but that is how it starts and then you have the addiction and you are having them more and more.” He emphasized that the post-retirement period amplified the problem, as he suddenly had more free time to indulge. “I definitely was addicted, but yeah, obviously, when I had more time on my hands when I retired, I had more time to have the snus,” he said. After recognising the toll on his energy levels, he committed to quitting and, as of this month, marked six months of being “clean”.
Wider nicotine usage in professional football
A study commissioned by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in 2024 revealed that one in five elite players were using snus nicotine pouches, or both. The research, conducted in partnership with Loughborough University, highlighted a growing trend of nicotine consumption across the Premier League, Championship and other top tiers. Health experts linked the habit to potential risks such as nicotine dependency, elevated chances of oesophageal and pancreatic cancer, as well as oral and cardiovascular complications.
In response, the PFA launched a confidential support pathway earlier this month, offering players discreet assistance to break free from nicotine products, including vapes and snus. “Our research found that while the use of snus and nicotine pouches is high among players, most who use them would prefer to stop,” the association stated. Campbell’s personal revelation adds a high-profile voice to the conversation, underscoring the need for systematic education and support within the sport.
