The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed 464-pound defensive tackle Desmond Watson as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. When Tampa Bay added the former Florida Gators lineman, he immediately became the heaviest player in NFL history.
However, Watson has already made progress on his weight‑loss journey.
Buccaneers’ Desmond Watson Sheds 27 Pounds, Now Weighs 437
Watson says he’s already dropped weight and might not be the heaviest player in the league, should he make the Bucs’ roster. He told NFL Network he’s down 27 pounds from that eye‑popping 464‑pound number he put on the scale at Florida’s pro day.
“I weighed 437 late last week,” Watson said. “That’s the journey I’ve got to take to be successful. It’s good for clicks to be the biggest player ever, but to be successful, I have to lose some weight. I’m changing habits and things like that to get there.”
It will be a homecoming for Watson, who grew up 20 minutes from Tampa in Plant City, Florida. He played four seasons at the University of Florida without missing a single game. Still, Watson knew he had to slim down to succeed at the next level.
Since arriving in Gainesville, Watson’s weight steadily increased. He started at 385 pounds as a freshman, rose to 415 as a sophomore and topped out at 435 as a junior. Last season he was listed at 449 pounds—and at his pro day he added another 15 pounds.
Watson bench‑pressed 225 pounds 36 times that day, outpacing every invitee at the scouting combine. The Bucs add Watson to a defensive line anchored by 347-pound tackle Vita Vea. Watson even saw brief action at fullback in college, picking up one yard on one carry.
Forty years after 350‑pound William “The Refrigerator” Perry became a periodic offensive weapon for the 1985 Bears, Watson could get a similar opportunity. But first, he’ll have to make the team in Tampa.
Watson said he isn’t finished losing weight. “I have a long journey to go. Even though I’ve made good progress so far, I’ve got a long journey to go,” he said. “I think I move pretty well for my size, and I might not have to get down to the average defensive tackle weight.”
KEEP READING: Desmond Watson Shocks With Weight at Pro Day
Whatever Watson’s final playing weight, he sounds serious about getting into the condition he needs to make an NFL roster.
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