Fraizer Campbell Details Crippling Snus Addiction During Premier League Career

Former Premier League forward Fraizer Campbell has disclosed the extent of a snus addiction that plagued his playing career, leading to him feeling "constantly fatigued."

Campbell, who progressed through Manchester United's academy and played for clubs including Tottenham, Hull, Sunderland, Cardiff, and Crystal Palace, stated he was first introduced to snus during his time at Crystal Palace between 2014 and 2017. Snus is a tobacco-based nicotine product typically placed between the gum and the upper lip.

He explained that a teammate initially offered him snus as a way to relax after matches. "I felt relaxed, and it just chilled me out more than anything," Campbell said. "It was after a game as well, and after a game is, you know, it's one of them things that it's quite hard to relax after."

What began as occasional use after games soon escalated. "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 recalled.

Campbell admitted to experiencing a significant "slump in the afternoon" due to exhaustion linked to his addiction. While initially used for post-match relaxation, the former forward, now 39, found himself increasingly using snus before training sessions.

"I definitely was addicted," Campbell stated. "So obviously, in the morning, while I was playing, I might have one in the morning or two in the morning and then for the next couple of hours I'd be out on the training pitch."

He clarified that he abstained from using snus on match days, as he felt it made him too relaxed and could hinder his performance. "It got a lot worse after I finished playing football, but I didn't really see the negative side of it while I was playing."

Campbell reported that he has been "six months clean" after addressing his addiction, driven by the persistent fatigue he experienced.

A 2024 study commissioned by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) indicated that one in five top-level players were using snus, nicotine pouches, or both. The PFA has voiced concerns about potential health issues associated with these products, including nicotine dependency, increased risk of certain cancers, oral health problems, and cardiovascular issues.

Earlier this month, the PFA launched a confidential support service to assist its members in overcoming reliance on snus, nicotine pouches, and vapes. The union noted that while usage is high among players, most express a desire to quit.