Desmond Watson’s size is the first thing people notice – and he’s well aware of it.
At Florida, he became a fan-favorite curiosity, listed at a staggering 464 pounds. Now, as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Watson has trimmed down to 437 pounds – but he knows that to make it in the NFL, he has to be known for more than just his scale-tipping presence.
If Watson appears in a regular season game, he’ll become the heaviest player in NFL history, surpassing the previous record of 380 pounds. Yet, while the milestone might grab headlines, Watson insists it’s not the legacy he wants to leave behind.
“I feel like my name is etched in history, of course, as the official heaviest player in the NFL, or whatnot,” Watson told Buccaneers.com “It’s a good story. At the same time I don’t want it to be my narrative. I want to be known as a football player, and a good football player at that.”
Watson’s frame has always drawn attention, but his focus is firmly on proving he can be a real contributor at the professional level.
“It’s nice to be able to make history… I guess again because I did it in college, too,” Watson continued. “It’s nice to be able to make history but all in all, I am a football player and I want to be known as a good one. So it’s just a process that comes with it, I guess.”
Though he remains a long shot to make the Buccaneers’ 53-man roster, Watson offers intriguing upside. With the right development, coaches believe he could emerge as a powerful force in the interior of the defensive line.
If paired alongside 350-pound Pro Bowler Vita Vea, Tampa Bay could present opposing offenses with one of the largest – and potentially most disruptive – defensive fronts in league history.
Still, Watson knows he isn’t a finished product. Conditioning and quickness remain key areas for improvement, and he’s committed to continuing his weight-loss journey to refine his game.
He’ll never be a small player, but Watson isn’t chasing a number – he’s chasing impact. His mission now is simple: let his play speak louder than his measurements.
What are your thoughts on Watson’s potential???
