NFL player Desmond Watson of the Bucs has been listed on the non-football injury list due to weight-related issues.
Desmond Watson, a defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been on a weight loss journey since his college days. The former University of Florida player initially weighed 464 pounds during his college career but managed to shed 25 to 30 pounds before the NFL draft[1][2].
Currently, Watson stands at around 450 pounds[1][2]. However, his weight has been a concern for the Buccaneers, and he was placed on the Non-Football Injury list at the start of training camp[1]. Despite this setback, Watson remains a member of the team.
The Buccaneers have not disclosed a specific ideal playing weight for Watson. It's clear that he needs to lose more weight to be considered for the final 53-man roster and to improve his conditioning for play[1][2].
Watson's focus is on getting healthier and more conditioned, rather than recovering from an injury. He is currently day-to-day and working closely with a team nutritionist to achieve these goals[2].
Coach Todd Bowles is overseeing Watson's weight loss and health improvement efforts. Bowles emphasizes the importance of Watson's health and conditioning, stating that it is about making him a healthier player and getting him on the field more[2].
Watson was signed by the Buccaneers after going undrafted in April. His weight loss progress is ongoing, and no timetable has been set for reaching a certain weight[1][2]. Despite his current weight issues, the Buccaneers are focused on improving Watson's health and getting him on the field.
Interestingly, Watson's weight loss is not significantly impacted by the heat, as he is accustomed to it due to his background at Armwood and the University of Florida.
It's worth noting that Watson is currently the heaviest player in NFL history. However, his determination and the support of the Buccaneers' coaching staff suggest that he is committed to making the necessary changes to be a viable player in the league.
In conclusion, Watson's weight loss journey is an ongoing process, and while he has made some strides, his journey to reach an ideal playing weight continues. The Buccaneers are focused on improving Watson's health and getting him on the field, and with Watson's determination and the support of the team, this goal seems within reach.
[1] [Source] [2] [Source]
- Desmond Watson continues to focus on his health and weight-management, working closely with a team nutritionist to achieve his goals.
 - The NFL team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is supportive of Watson's health-and-wellness journey, with Coach Todd Bowles closely overseeing his progress.
 - Watson's weight loss journey is influenced by his past, as he was initially weighing 464 pounds during his college career at the University of Florida.
 - The Buccaneers have not publicly stated an ideal playing weight for Watson, yet it is clear that he needs to lose more weight to be considered for the final 53-man roster and improve his conditioning for play.
 - Despite being the heaviest player in NFL history, Watson's determination and the support of the Buccaneers' coaching staff indicate that he is committed to making the necessary changes to become a viable player in the league.