NFL Player Raises Questions About Creatine Use
Athletes are re-evaluating the role of creatine in training as some express concerns over its impact on physical resilience.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Body Building
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Pittsburgh Steelers player Breiden Fehoko recently used social media to advise athletes against using creatine supplements. He argues the supplement causes weight gain from water retention without providing necessary physical resilience.
Why it matters
The statement challenges common sports nutrition habits by focusing on how weight fluctuations from creatine might affect physical readiness. Athletes are encouraged to discuss the utility of specific supplements with their sports medicine team to ensure training goals align with physiological needs.
The International Society of Sports Nutrition 2017 position statement supports creatine use to increase lean body mass. However, the National Institutes of Health notes that the supplement can cause weight gain due to water retention, an effect that some athletes now question in relation to travel stress.
The players
Breiden Fehoko
An NFL player who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2024 offseason and has expressed concerns regarding athlete supplement use.
International Society of Sports Nutrition
An academic organization that researches and publishes evidence-based guidelines on dietary supplements for athletes.
National Institutes of Health
The primary federal agency responsible for biomedical and public health research in the United States.
The details
Creatine works by increasing the body's stores of phosphocreatine, which aids in the rapid regeneration of ATP during short, high-intensity exercise. While this supports muscle growth, critics like Fehoko claim it may increase body weight through water retention without strengthening connective tissues. This has sparked a debate on whether the aesthetic or mass-building benefits of the supplement may hinder performance in high-stress, travel-heavy environments.
Timeline
The International Society of Sports Nutrition published its position statement in 2017.
Breiden Fehoko was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2024 offseason.
Fehoko posted his statement regarding creatine on X this past Tuesday.
Health Landscape
The use of creatine remains a standard in athletic training for its ability to support lean body mass. Recent discourse marks a pivot toward evaluating how supplements interact with systemic stressors like international travel and physical fatigue management.
If you are considering creatine, track how it affects your own hydration levels and body weight rather than focusing solely on mass gains. It is worth discussing your specific training goals and any concerns about water retention with a primary care physician or a registered sports dietitian.
The takeaway
The debate over creatine underscores the importance of evaluating how dietary supplements impact your body beyond simple mass accumulation. Monitor your own physical response to supplements and verify that your regimen supports your current stress levels by consulting with a healthcare provider.
Further reading
For more on optimizing your fitness routine, explore our Body Building section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
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