Desmond Watson aims to be more than just a brief mention in sports history.
The NFL’s heaviest player made his debut with the Buccaneers at this weekend’s Rookie Mini Camp.
Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Watson weighed in at 464 pounds during his time in Florida. He was drafted and subsequently signed by the Buccaneers.
Though he has shed 27 pounds since then, he still holds the record for being the heaviest in league history.
“My name is certainly part of NFL history now—it’s a good story, but I want to be recognized for my skills on the field rather than my weight,” Watson shared with the media this week. He emphasized his desire to be known primarily as a football player.
Watson, primarily a run-stopper as a defensive tackle, recorded 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble over four years in college.
He impressively managed 36 repetitions on a 225-pound bench press—three more than any other player invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
“He needs to begin within a team system,” stated head coach Todd Bowles regarding Watson’s strategy. “Now we need to monitor how long he can stay on the field as he continues his conditioning. That’s crucial for us right now; we didn’t rush to put him out there immediately.”
Bowles clarified that Watson is not merely a novelty. He signed a three-year contract worth $50,000, including a $20,000 signing bonus.
“We didn’t bring him on just for a publicity stunt,” Bowles insisted. “We genuinely believe he has potential to contribute, but we need to ensure he can handle more than just a couple of plays at a time.”
