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Desmond Watson wants to be a lot more than a big footnote.
The heaviest player in NFL history made his debut with the Buccaneers this weekend at rookie minicamp and addressed his weight.
The 6-foot-6 Watson weighed in at 464 pounds at Florida’s pro day before going undrafted and signing with the Buccaneers.
He is said to have dropped 27 pounds since then — still setting the record.
Watson expressed his thoughts on being recognized as the heaviest player in NFL history, stating that while it is a notable story, he does not want it to define him. He aims to establish himself as a skilled football player above all else.
Known as a run-stuffing defensive tackle, Watson had 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 51 games over four years at Florida.
He put up 36 reps on the 225-pound bench press, which was three more than any of the prospects invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Head coach Todd Bowles emphasized the importance of Watson earning a spot on the team and focusing on his performance on the field. Bowles highlighted the need for Watson to showcase his abilities consistently and progress through a designated conditioning program.
But Bowles made it clear that Watson is not a gimmick.
He reportedly signed a three-year contract with $50,000 guaranteed, including a $20,000 signing bonus.
Bowles clarified that Watson was not recruited based on his weight but rather for his potential as a player. The main objective is to help Watson increase his playing time and contribute significantly during drives, moving beyond limited involvement in a few plays.