NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers list 450-pound newcomer on non-sports injury roster because of weight-related problems
Desmond Watson, a promising undrafted defensive tackle who stood at 6-foot-6 and weighed 464 pounds when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him after the 2025 NFL Draft, has been making strides in his weight loss journey. As of July 2025, he has shed nearly 30 pounds, bringing his weight down to around 449-450 pounds[1][2].
Despite this progress, the Buccaneers placed Watson on the non-football injury (NFI) list at the start of training camp due to health and fitness concerns related to his weight[1][3]. Head coach Todd Bowles has emphasized the team's focus on helping Watson become a healthier player before he can participate fully or compete for a roster spot.
Watson's chances of making the Buccaneers' final 53-man NFL roster appear limited at this stage because he still needs to lose more weight and improve his conditioning to compete at the professional level[1][3]. However, he remains viewed as a legitimate athlete with strong potential as a run-stopper on the defensive line. Watson demonstrated surprising athleticism for his size, including a 25-inch vertical jump, 36 reps of 225 pounds on bench press, and a 5.86-second 40-yard dash during Florida's pro day[1].
Coach Bowles has specific goals for Watson's weight, and he is actively working on avoiding gas station temptations to lose weight[4]. Watson attributes some of his weight gain to stopping for food while driving. He is working diligently to overcome these habits and achieve the health and fitness levels necessary to compete in the NFL.
At 22 years old, Watson has already had a successful college career with the Florida Gators, recording 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks in four seasons[5]. If he were to make the 53-man roster and appear in a game, he would be the heaviest player in NFL history[6]. However, his NFL future depends heavily on how much more weight he can lose and how much he can improve his fitness during this critical period[1][3][4].
The Buccaneers are committed to supporting Watson in his weight loss journey, recognising his potential as a quality run stuffer in the NFL[7]. As Watson continues to work towards his goals, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching his progress.
- Desmond Watson's weight loss journey in the health and wellness realm is crucial for his professional American football career, especially in the realm of weight management.
- The NFL team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is emphasizing science-backed methods to help Watson improve his health and fitness, which are essential for his participation and competitiveness in sports such as American football, specifically football.
- Desmond Watson's NFL future largely depends on his ability to lose more weight and enhance his fitness, critical aspects in sports like football that demand conditioning and agility.
- Desmond Watson, a 22-year-old former Florida Gator with a successful college football career, is striving to shed more weight and achieve required health and fitness standards, aiming to make the NFL's 53-man final roster and possibly become the heaviest player in NFL history to appear in a game.
