Craig Titus: The Most Troubled IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Ever?
If you’ve spent any time in the industry or have been a fan of bodybuilding for a while, a name you have probably heard (and not for good reasons) is Craig Titus. In fact, the name Craig Titus as well as his ex-wife, Kelly Ryan, are two highly searched names on Google. Both Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan were competitors in the fitness and bodybuilding industry, Craig is an IFBB Pro Bodybuilder where he competed in the 90s and 2000s and Kelly as a fitness competitor.
As it stands right now, Craig is 53 years old and is sitting in prison until what looks like December 23, 2026 (which will make him 59 when he’s released). Now, it’s not uncommon to hear of bodybuilders getting in trouble with the law. More times than not, it’s due to being in the possession of or selling anabolic steroids. Whether you think that is a real crime based on the data of the use and benefits of anabolic steroids is a completely new article that can be written at a later date.
But Craig, himself, seemed to be in somewhat of a downward spiral and even other bodybuilders who were around him saw a dark side that worried them and they were not only vocal about their concern to him but since he’s been sitting in jail, many of them have commented regarding his troubled past and poor decisions.
I published an article on Kelly Ryan a couple of years ago and it has been a highly searched article ever since it went up. The duo made headlines which lead to them being arrested (more of this to come). With that being said, I want to raise the question as to if Craig Titus is the most troubled IFBB Pro Bodybuilder ever?
Related Article: Will Kelly Ryan Return to the Fitness Industry Post Jail?
In this article, let’s take a deeper dive into who Craig Titus is, was, his background, what he accomplished in bodybuilding and additional info that may have exposed his downward spiral well in advance.
Just to provide a little further update on the situation before we dive into the content, Craig Titus is set to be released in late December 2026.
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Who is Craig Titus?
Craig Titus was an American professional bodybuilder whose journey in the world of fitness and bodybuilding was marked by both success and infamy. Born on January 14, 1967, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Titus exhibited an early interest in physical fitness and weight training that would eventually lead him to become a prominent figure in the bodybuilding industry.
Titus began his bodybuilding career in the late 1980s and quickly rose through the ranks due to his remarkable physique, dedication, and intense training regimen. He gained recognition for his powerful and muscular build, earning him several titles and accolades in various bodybuilding competitions. His competitive achievements include:
- 1996 NPC USA Championships: Craig Titus won the heavyweight and overall titles, earning his IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Pro Card, which allowed him to compete at the professional level.
- 1997 IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational: He placed second, showcasing his potential as a professional bodybuilder.
- 2000 IFBB Night of Champions: Titus secured a victory, establishing his position as a contender in the professional bodybuilding circuit.
Titus was known for his signature physique, characterized by impressive muscle mass, symmetry, and definition. He captured the attention of fans and fellow competitors alike, earning respect for his dedication to the sport.
However, Titus’s successful bodybuilding career took a dark turn when he became embroiled in a highly publicized criminal case. In December 2005, Titus and his wife, Kelly Ryan, were charged with the murder of their personal assistant, Melissa James. The case shocked the bodybuilding community and the general public, shedding light on the darker aspects of their personal lives.
The subsequent trial and investigation revealed a tumultuous relationship between Craig Titus, Ryan, and James. The couple was accused of involvement in James’s murder and an attempt to cover up the crime by burning her body in a car. In 2008, both Titus and Ryan pleaded guilty to charges related to the murder, leading to their imprisonment.
The downfall of Craig Titus and the subsequent legal proceedings cast a shadow over his once-promising career in bodybuilding. His story served as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of fame, success, and personal choices.
Related Article: Fighting for His Pro Card — Darrell Terrell
While Titus’s bodybuilding achievements are notable, his legacy is ultimately defined by the tragic events that unfolded later in his life. The case remains a somber reminder of the complexities that can arise when talented individuals are consumed by personal struggles and questionable decisions.
The Writing Was on the Wall for Craig Titus Before Even Turning Pro
If you look at Craig’s bodybuilding resume, the man had incredible potential. He started competing in 1988 where he won the middleweight division as well as the overall at the NPC Houston Bodybuilding Championships. Following his win, he placed well up until 1996 when he won his IFBB Pro Card at the NPC USA Championships. But something happened in 1995 that put Craig Titus on law enforcement radar.
April 1995, Craig was arrested and plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute ecstasy. While it cannot be confirmed, it has been said that Craig was also a user of the drug which is why he had it in his possession. Craig then appeared before a judge and got what many at the time thought was a slap on the wrist of 16 months on house arrest where he was to wear a monitoring anklet at all times. But this was just the beginning for Craig Titus.
Two years after being arrested for drugs, Craig Titus was back at it. In July 1997, Craig Titus was once again arrested for drugs – this time it was anabolic steroids. There was no chance of another slap on the wrist this go-around. Craig was found to be using anabolic steroids which violated his parole. Because of this, Craig Titus was thrown in jail for 21 months. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse, Craig threw out the old “hold my beer, watch this” for his final act.
Following his release, Craig apparently dabbled with drugs yet again. Clearly, not learning his lesson the first time. However, he did decide to continue perusing his passion for bodybuilding and while he didn’t compete between 1997 and 1999 (due to being behind bars), he stepped back on stage in 2000. He had a good run through 2005 where he was placing in the top 10 consistently but then abruptly the wheels fell off.
Craig Titus married Kelly Ryan where they got caught up in the wrong lifestyle, essentially living the life that rock stars sing about – a lot of sex and drugs from what friends have said. Industry friends of Craig and Kelly have said in interviews that Craig Titus was continuing to use drugs and was said to have been caught up in a sexual relationship with his and Kelly’s personal assistant at the time. Kelly eventually caught on and Craig admitted to the affair.
There was even a book published about Craig Titus that you can find here.
Everything Went Up in Flames (Literally)
Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan’s world changed the day they decided to murder their assistant in December 2005. The same assistant that Craig was having an affair with. Many have speculated that the murder was a result of a poor decision due to the drugs being used. Either way, murder is murder and there will be heavy consequences.
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