The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to waive defensive tackle Desmond Watson, the heaviest player in NFL history, according to multiple reports. Watson, who weighed over 400 pounds, has struggled with weight management issues that led to his placement on the non-football injury list during training camp. The team plans to finalize the move before Tuesday’s roster cutdown deadline.
Watson, who joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after playing college football for the Florida Gators, was listed at 464 pounds during his pro day in April. He lost 25 to 30 pounds before the draft but still failed to meet the team’s weight requirements. This led to his absence from practice sessions and limited his participation in training camp.
Watson’s agent, EJ Gonzalez, told the Associated Press that Watson is continuing to work on his fitness goals. ‘He’s still working. Job’s not finished,’ Gonzalez said, indicating that the player is determined to improve his health and fitness despite the recent setbacks.
During a press conference, Watson addressed his weight gain and the challenges he faced. He explained that he had developed the habit of stopping frequently at gas stations to grab food during his college years. ‘Stopping while driving,’ Watson said when asked about his bad habits, ‘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.’
Watson also emphasized the importance of avoiding temptation while on the road. ‘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 advised.
The Buccaneers have not provided specifics on what their ideal weight for Watson would be, but they have made it clear that weight management has been a significant issue for the player. This decision highlights the league’s approach to player health and the challenges athletes face with weight management and diet control.
While Watson’s situation is a personal health issue, it also raises questions about the pressures on athletes to maintain specific body weights for optimal performance. The Buccaneers’ decision to waive Watson underscores the NFL’s strict requirements for player fitness and its impact on team rosters.