The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed undrafted defensive tackle Desmond Watson on the non-football injury list due to concerns over his weight. The 22-year-old, who was signed by the team after the 31st round of the 2025 NFL Draft, currently weighs around 450 pounds and has not met the required fitness standards for training camp. Head coach Todd Bowles emphasized the importance of improving Watson’s health and physical condition to ensure he can contribute on the field. “It’s just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and getting him on the field a little more,” Bowles said.
Watson, who is 6-foot-6, was initially listed at 464 pounds when the Buccaneers signed him. While he has managed to shed some weight, the team believes he still needs to lose additional mass to be cleared for training camp. The move is not related to any football-related injuries but rather a health concern that could impact his ability to perform at the professional level. Bowles expressed confidence in Watson’s potential, stating, “We have some things we have in mind with him where we want to see him at, and we’ll continue to monitor that and get him to where we think he needs to be and go from there.”
Watson, who played for the Florida Gators in college, had a solid four-year career with 63 tackles and 1½ sacks. However, his weight gain, attributed in part to unhealthy habits like stopping to grab food while driving, has become a major issue for the Buccaneers. During a recent media session, Watson acknowledged his struggles with these habits and shared strategies to combat them. “My biggest thing is keep going, get to where I need to get. There are stores and a lot of temptations. That’s helped me immensely. Don’t go inside the gas station. Pay at the pump. Because inside it’s snacks and all types of things like that. Don’t pull over. If you’re on the highway, stay on the highway until you get where you’ve got to go,” he explained.
If Watson were to make the 53-man roster and play in an NFL game, he would make history as the heaviest player in the league’s history. The Buccaneers’ decision to place him on the non-football injury list highlights the growing emphasis on player health and fitness in professional sports. While Watson’s weight poses a challenge, his physical attributes suggest he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team if he can overcome this hurdle. The Buccaneers are working closely with Watson to help him reach the necessary fitness level to compete in the NFL.