THE NFL’s heaviest player is one step closer to making his debut – after undergoing a weight loss regime.
Desmond Watson was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last month after failing to meet their conditioning requirements.
Desmond Watson has been given a second chance at the NFL[/caption]
The former Florida Gator was cut by the Buccaneers for being too heavy[/caption]
After slimming down, the team have brought him back to the practice squad[/caption]
Watson, 22, was released by the Bucs on the eve of the 2025 season.
The 6-foot-6 former Florida Gator went undrafted and spent pre-season on the non-football injury list in Tampa while working on his weight.
Watson was not deemed to be in football shape by the organization, tipping the scales at almost 470 pounds.
But he is now set to get a second chance at the NFL – after slimming down to a reported 449 pounds, per Yahoo.
The Buccaneers have signed Watson to their practice squad, according to FOX.
He has now reportedly “met their requirements to get in shape and can now practice with the team.”
Before Watson, the heaviest NFL player ever was Aaron Gibson, a former offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys.
Gibson was listed by the at 410 pounds – a whopping 39 pounds short of Watson’s weight.
Bucs fans believe Watson’s elevation to the practice squad may be in anticipation of a showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend.
The Eagles are famed for their Push Tush, a controversial rushing play that has been successful in recording short-gains at the goal line.
“Jalen Hurts going nowhere against this guy,” wrote on Bucs fan on X.
“Tush Push Assassin incoming,” said another.
“Here’s your chance big fella! Make it count,” added a third.
Watson spent three seasons with the Florida Gators, appearing in 51 career games on the defensive line.
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He recorded 77 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery over his college career.
The Bucs have started the season 3-0 after three close wins over the Texans, Jets and Falcons.
But they will be without star wideout Mike Evans for the game against Philly this weekend.
Evans is expected to miss three to four weeks with a strained left hamstring.
The Bucs already have been without Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is working his way back from ankle surgery.
