Breiden Fehoko Discourages NFL Creatine Supplement Use
The former Steelers player warns that creatine may hinder performance by creating false muscle size.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Body Building
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers player Breiden Fehoko is advising NFL athletes to avoid creatine supplements. He claims the substance leads to water retention without actually strengthening muscles to withstand physical stress.
Why it matters
The warning challenges conventional athletic supplementation, highlighting a debate over aesthetics versus functional performance. Players are also raising concerns about how such supplements impact physical readiness during demanding international travel schedules.
While the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2017 position statement supports creatine for building lean body mass, the National Institutes of Health notes that water retention causing weight gain is a documented effect.
The players
Breiden Fehoko
He is a professional football player who spent the 2024 offseason as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This professional NFL franchise is based in Pittsburgh and played a scheduled game in Paris.
New Orleans Saints
This professional NFL team traveled to Paris to compete against the Steelers.
The details
Fehoko shared his stance in a post on X, arguing that the supplement creates an artificial appearance of muscle mass. He also engaged with fellow players regarding concerns over the short two-day window provided to acclimate to travel in Paris for their recent game.
Timeline
2017: The International Society of Sports Nutrition released its position statement on creatine use.
2024 offseason: Breiden Fehoko was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tuesday: Breiden Fehoko published his statement on X.
Season Trajectory
This dispute over athletic preparation coincides with broader debates regarding player recovery during the NFL's increasingly frequent international travel schedule. The current logistical stress of managing body fatigue in foreign climates is forcing teams to rethink traditional training and supplement protocols.
Players often prioritize rapid recovery metrics when navigating travel-heavy schedules, making supplement intake a key variable for daily performance. Athletes must weigh the aesthetic gains of creatine against potential weight retention that could affect their movement and speed during short-notice games.
The takeaway
Understanding the distinction between muscle aesthetics and functional strength is essential for athletes managing high-intensity physical stress. Consulting with professional nutritionists remains the safest path to ensure that supplement choices align with long-term training goals.
Further reading
For more information on the current trends in training, visit the Body Building section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
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