Tampa Bay Buccaneers Waive Desmond Watson, Heaviest Player In NFL History

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a headline-grabbing offseason due to multiple attention-worthy additions to their roster. Unfortunately, Desmond Watson’s time with the team has come to an end, as the heaviest player in NFL history was waived this week, per Fox Sports.

Watson’s time with the Super Bowl LV winners was far from easy. He spent the entirety of their training camp on the Non-Football Injury/Illness list (NFI list) while trying to cut weight. The undrafted rookie showed some progress, dropping from 464 pounds to 449, reinforcing their belief that he may become a dominant inside presence.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles spoke about placing the former Florida Gator on the NFI list. “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.”

Watson spoke about his desire to be known for more than his size after going undrafted, but getting a shot to make the Bucs roster. “I feel like my name is etched in history, of course, as the official heaviest player in the NFL, or whatnot,” he said. “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.”

Now, Watson has to find a new home, as he will not be added to the Buccaneers’ practice squad. Roster cuts are occurring within all 32 teams, but if Watson gets signed, he could be the heaviest player to ever play in an NFL game. He played in every single game during his four years with the Florida Gators, recording 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks.