NFL rookie Desmond Watson has been given an ultimatum from his new team.
Before he can ever play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Watson must lose a considerable amount of weight.
Desmon Watson is still being held out of Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp[/caption]
Watson has not lost enough weight for the Buccaneers to feel comfortable playing him[/caption]
Watson was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent and instantly became the heaviest player in NFL history.
He weighed in at an incredible 464 pounds, but ever since he signed with Tampa Bay it has been the team’s goal to get that number down.
According to general manager Jason Licht, Watson still has a lot of work to do.
“We have some milestones we want him to hit before we get him out there,” he said.
“He’s doing a solid job getting there. That’s all I’ll say.”
Watson was placed on the non-football injury list while he works on getting his weight down,
He is being forced to watch from the sidelines while his teammates get work in at training camp.
Last month, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles shared that there is no timetable on when Watson could be available to play.
It’s just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and getting him on the field a little more,” he said.
“That’s kind of where I’m at right now.
“He’s working at it and we’re working with him and that’s all you can ask right now.
“I don’t have a timetable on what we can get him down to or when that comes.
“He’s from Armwood, he went to Florida, so he’s used to the heat. That’s not a big factor in it.
“We’ve just got to see what happens.”
Watson is working with a team nutritionist to help him get down to a playable weight.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
For now, fans are looking forward to eventually seeing him on the field and shared their thoughts on social media.
“He’s lost a lot of weight so far! He’s gonna be fine,” one fan said.
“Prayers that he makes it. I can’t wait to see him play healthy,” another fan said.
“At least he didn’t get cut. He better get back in shape,” a third fan said.
“C’mon young man, you can do this. Just keep working,” a fourth fan said.
