Heaviest Player in NFL History Asked to Lose Weight

Heaviest Player in NFL History Asked to Lose Weight originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Former Florida Gators defensive tackle Desmond Watson is one of the most interesting stories coming into training camp ahead of the 2025 NFL season. After four years with the Florida Gators, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Watson as an undrafted free agent this offseason.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 449 pounds, Watson is the heaviest player in NFL history and was a fan favorite during his time with the Gators.

While the near-$3 million signing made headlines at the time, Watson has been in the news again this week. The Buccaneers have reportedly asked him to lose an undisclosed amount of weight before having the chance to make the 53-man roster during the regular season.

Tampa Bay has placed Watson on the non-football injury list because of his weight. After weighing 464 pounds at Florida's pro day, the defensive tackle has lost weight since, but the Buccaneers coaching staff wants him slimmer before taking the field.

"It's just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and getting him on the field a little more," Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles said, per Fox 13 News. "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." 

In his four seasons with the Gators, Watson tallied 63 tackles, three tackles-for-loss and one forced fumble. He also made an appearance on offense at running back in Florida's Gasparilla Bowl victory over the Tulane Green Wave in 2024.

While his chances of playing for Tampa Bay during his rookie season may seem small, if Watson can get to the weight his team wants, Gators and Buccaneers fans alike will be ecstatic.

Related: College Football Expert Gives Florida Gators 2025 Record Prediction

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.