Latest news with #DesmondWatson
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Bucs' Desmond Watson, NFL's heaviest player, placed on non-football injury list due to weight
Desmond Watson's quest to make the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will get a late start. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said the heaviest player in NFL history is day to day after starting camp on non-football injury list due to his weight. 'It's just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and getting him on the field a little more,' Bowles said Wednesday. '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.' Watson, who played at Florida, was signed after going undrafted in April. He weighed 464lb at the school's pro day and lost 25 to 30lb before the draft. 'I don't have a timetable on what we can get him down to or when that comes,' Bowles said. '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.' The 6ft 6in defensive tackle has been working with a team nutritionist and the team hasn't said what would be an ideal playing weight for him.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why NFL's heaviest player at 449 pounds isn't allowed to practice yet
Certain players in the NFL pack on the pounds to play their positions -- offensive lineman do it to absorb the punishment of playing against agile pass-rushers. And defensive tackles like Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Desmond Watson want to gobble up running backs trying to get by them. But in the case of Watson, he actually needs to lose weight. At a listed 449 pounds, the Bucs are putting him on the non-football illness list in order for him to shed some pounds. Per head coach Todd Bowles: "It's just about trying to get him better to be a healthier player and getting him on the field a little more, that's where I'm at right now." Bowles added Watson's working on getting in more shape, "and that's all you can ask for right now." We'll see what happens with that situation. Who are the heaviest NFL players of all time? Watson would be it if he stays at this weight. Aaron Gibson -- a tackle who played for the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears -- was once listed at 410 pounds. And ex-Cowboy Nate Newton once tipped the scales at 401 pounds. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Bucs 449-pound DT Desmond Watson isn't allowed to practice yet
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Why NFL's heaviest player at 449 pounds isn't allowed to practice yet
Certain players in the NFL pack on the pounds to play their positions -- offensive lineman do it to absorb the punishment of playing against agile pass-rushers. And defensive tackles like Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Desmond Watson want to gobble up running backs trying to get by them. But in the case of Watson, he actually needs to lose weight. At a listed 449 pounds, the Bucs are putting him on the non-football illness list in order for him to shed some pounds. Per head coach Todd Bowles: "It's just about trying to get him better to be a healthier player and getting him on the field a little more, that's where I'm at right now." Bowles added Watson's working on getting in more shape, "and that's all you can ask for right now." We'll see what happens with that situation. Who are the heaviest NFL players of all time? Watson would be it if he stays at this weight. Aaron Gibson -- a tackle who played for the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears -- was once listed at 410 pounds. And ex-Cowboy Nate Newton once tipped the scales at 401 pounds.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign heaviest NFL player Desmond Watson to develop as key player beyond tackling 'Tush Push'
Buccaneers sign Desmond Watson to boost defense beyond the tush push (Image via: Getty Images) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed 464-pound defensive tackle Desmond Watson following the 2025 NFL Draft, sparking speculation he's their answer to the league's controversial 'tush push' play. However, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles clarified Watson is a long-term developmental project, valued for his potential to become a versatile, impactful player rather than just a quick fix against one specific tactic. Beyond the Tush Push : A long-term vision for Desmond Watson Desmond Watson's size and presence on the field immediately make him a unique asset. At the University of Florida, Watson was not only a defensive force but also occasionally used in short-yardage offensive situations, leveraging his weight and power to bulldoze through opponents. This dual-threat capability hints at the potential Tampa Bay sees in him. Todd Bowles has emphasized that the team isn't rushing Watson into action solely to counter the tush push tactic. 'To judge him right now is very early, and we didn't get him for the tush push — we got him because we really thought he could play,' Bowles said. Instead, their focus is on building his endurance and refining his skills so he can stay on the field for more snaps and contribute effectively throughout the game. This patient approach shows the Buccaneers are investing in Watson's long-term growth, aiming to develop a player who can offer more than just situational bursts. The NFL has historically adapted quickly to emerging trends like the Wildcat offense or the current tush push, but teams willing to innovate with players like Watson could redefine defensive and short-yardage offensive strategies. Tampa Bay's move signals their commitment to staying ahead of the curve by nurturing unique talents rather than settling for quick fixes. Also Read: 'He going to be ass': Tyreek Hill's bold dig at Travis Hunter sparks NFL buzz As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on Desmond Watson to see if he can transform from a promising 2025 UDFA into a key contributor for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping them navigate and potentially dominate the evolving defensive and offensive tactics, including strategies to counter the NFL's controversial tush push play. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Desmond Watson ready to shape his own narrative during tenure with Bucs
Desmond Watson ready to shape his own narrative during tenure with Bucs Desmond Watson is a mountain of a man and an imposing presence on the football field. He played a vital role in the success that the Florida Gators' defense had down the stretch in 2024. They had a tough start to the season, but he was part of the reason they turned it around in the end. He now hopes to carry that momentum into his NFL career,r and so far he has, starting with shedding some of his weight. After weighing 464 pounds at the Florida Pro Day, he is already losing weight. He is doing so because he wants to be more than a number at the end of his career. In an interview with Bucs media, he explained as much and more. "I feel like my name is etched in history, of course, as the official heaviest player in the NFL, or whatnot, it's a good story; at the same time I don't want it to be my narrative. I want to be known as a football player, and a good football player at that. But it's nice to be able to make history…I guess again because I did it in college, too. It's nice to be able to make history but all in all, I am a football player and I want to be known as a good one. So it's just a process that comes with it, I guess." Watson is already receiving praise from coaches early on after a good rookie minicamp, and he now has momentum going into the next set of organized team activities.
