Have you noticed how big football players are getting these days? Today it is not uncommon to see college football linemen that weigh more than 300 lbs. Just the other day I saw a 1960 freshman football program from of two major Division 1 football programs. The linemen averaged only 190 lbs. for one school and 200 lbs. for the other. What has happened? Certainly the players' genetics have not changed. The genes of players today are about the same as those of 40 years ago. Better medical care is a consideration, but health care has not changed radically for youth in the United States. Nutrition plays a role in making the new stronger, faster player. Kids eat more protein and fresh vegetables. Our youth have also been taking more vitamin supplements. All these nutritional changes probably play a role. However, one major reason for bigger players is creatine supplementation. It has been increasingly used by football players since the mid 1990’s. A recent report said that 48% of male Div. 1 athletes have used creatine. Creatine allows players to rapidly gain muscle mass. Muscle size is directly related to strength. Since creatine stores energy in the muscle cells the athlete has more endurance and more stamina. Creatine is best at fueling type 2, fast twitch muscle fibers. This is the muscle type that contracts first and is used for rapid, explosive strength and speed. Intense weight training is now a part of every Div.1 football program. Undoubtedly this has played a major role in increasing the size, speed, and endurance of today’s football players. In my opinion, weight training, creatine supplementation, and better nutrition in that order are the major reasons for bigger, stronger, and faster football players. |
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