Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Desmond Watson recently signed with his hometown team as an undrafted free agent, and in doing so, became the heaviest player in NFL history. But for Watson, that’s not the narrative he wants defining his career.
“Yeah, I’m happy. Is this a dream come true? Can’t stop smiling,” said Watson, beaming after inking his NFL opportunity.
Despite the attention his size draws, Watson is quick to remind fans and coaches alike that he’s more than just a number on the scale.
“I wanna be known as a football player and a good football player at that, but it’s nice to make history, I guess again, because I did it in college too,” Watson added, referencing his time at the University of Florida where he also turned heads for his massive presence on the defensive line.
Making history
At 400-plus pounds, Watson now holds the distinction of being the heaviest player in league history, but he’s determined not to let that label overshadow his on-field aspirations.
“It’s nice to be able to make history, but all in all, I am a football player,” he said.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles echoed that sentiment, making it clear that Watson’s roster spot wasn’t handed out for novelty.
“We didn’t get him for the push push. We got him because we really thought he could play,” Bowles said. “We just have to get him to where he can play more than two or three plays a down.”
Watson‘s conditioning and endurance will be critical in determining whether he can stick with the team. Like many undrafted players, he still has to earn his place on the 53-man roster, but his roots and mindset could give him an edge. Raised just 45 minutes from Tampa, Watson has the local support and structure to stay on track.
“My mom is 45 minutes away so if all else fails, they can get her to get on me. I feel like I have the best team around,” he joked.
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