Football team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, list 450-pound new player on the non-football injury list, citing weight problems
Desmond Watson, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' undrafted defensive tackle, is currently on the non-football injury list due to his weight issues. Head coach Todd Bowles has confirmed that the team is working with Watson to help him lose more weight and get him cleared for training camp.
Watson, who was 6-foot-6 and 464 pounds when the Bucs signed him after the 2025 NFL Draft, has been making strides in his weight loss journey. He has successfully lost approximately 25 to 30 pounds before the draft and an additional 27 pounds afterward, bringing his weight down to around 437 pounds.
The Buccaneers are taking a cautious and daily-assessed approach to Watson's weight loss, focusing on making him a healthier player capable of contributing effectively on the field. The team's nutritionists are working closely with Watson to create a tailored meal plan and dietary adjustments, while ongoing training and conditioning programs are being adapted to his physical condition.
The coaching staff is continuously monitoring and evaluating Watson's progress to guide his weight management efforts. If Watson were to make the 53-man roster and appear in a game, he would make NFL history as the heaviest player to play in the league's history.
Despite his challenges, Watson has the potential to be a quality run stuffer in the NFL. During his time at Florida, he had 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks in four seasons. Watson identified stopping to get food while driving as a reason for his weight gain during his time at Florida.
To overcome this obstacle, Watson has been working on shedding bad habits, such as stopping while driving to avoid food temptations. The Buccaneers remain optimistic that Watson's commitment to improving his health through weight loss will enable him to succeed in the NFL.
Reports indicate that Watson participated in the Bucs' minicamp on July 10, 2025, signifying his continued progress towards getting cleared for training camp.
[1] Tampa Bay Buccaneers place undrafted defensive tackle Desmond Watson on non-football injury list
[2] Desmond Watson's weight loss journey: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle working to lose weight and get cleared for training camp
[3] Desmond Watson's weight loss: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle sheds pounds and looks to make NFL history
[4] Desmond Watson's weight loss: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle's commitment to health and weight loss is inspiring
[5] Desmond Watson's weight loss: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle's journey to lose weight and make NFL history
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' undrafted defensive tackle, Desmond Watson, is currently on the non-football injury list due to his weight issues and is working to lose more weight to get cleared for training camp.
- As part of his weight loss journey, Watson has successfully lost approximately 25 to 30 pounds before the draft and an additional 27 pounds afterward, bringing his weight down to around 437 pounds.
- Often hailed as a potential quality run stuffer in the NFL, Watson has been focusing on making healthy choices, such as shedding bad habits like stopping while driving to avoid food temptations.
- By making strides in his weight loss and engaging in constant monitoring and evaluation by the coaching staff, Watson could potentially make NFL history as the heaviest player to play in the league's history if he were to make the 53-man roster and appear in a game.
