The heaviest player in the history of the NFL asked to lose weight Originally appeared on Sports Athlon.
The former defensive platform of Florida Gators, Desmond Watson, is one of the most interesting stories in the training camp before the 2025 NFL season. After four years with the Florida Gators, the Buccaneers of Tampa Bay signed Watson as a free agent not drafted this offseason.
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Registered at 6 feet 5 inches and 449 pounds, Watson is the heaviest player in the history of the NFL and was a favorite of the fans during his time with the Gators.
While the signing close to $ 3 million made the headlines at the time, Watson again made the news this week. Buccaneers have would have asked him to lose an unhappy weight before having the opportunity to list 53 men during the regular season.
June 10, 2025; Tampa Bay, FL, United States; The defensive platform of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Desmond Watson (56) participates in the mini camp of the Adventhealth training center. Compulsory credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay has placed Watson on the list of non-football injuries because of its weight. After weighing 464 pounds at Florida’s Pro Day, the defensive tackle has lost weight since, but the staff of Buccaneers want it to be thinner before taking the ground.
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“It is simply a question of trying to improve it, to be a healthier player and to put it on the field a little more,” said the head coach of Tampa Bay, Todd Bowles, by Fox 13 News. “It’s a bit where I’m right now. He is working on it and we are working with him and that’s all you can ask at the moment.”
In his four seasons with the GatorsWatson collected 63 plated, three plated for loss and a forced escape. He also appeared in attack in the back race in the victory of the Gasparilla Bowl in Florida over the Green Wave of Tulane in 2024.
Although his chances of playing for Tampa Bay during his recruit season may seem small, if Watson can reach the weight that his team wants, fans of Gators and Buccaneers will be ecstatic.
Related: the university football expert gives Florida Gators 2025 record prediction
This story was initially reported by Sports Athlon On July 25, 2025, where he appeared for the first time.
