NFL Combine Monster Joins Buccaneers—And He’s a Massive One [WATCH]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson made his first appearance at the team’s rookie minicamp this week, drawing significant attention as he prepares to make NFL history.

The 6-foot-6, 464-pound lineman is set to become the heaviest player ever to appear in a regular-season NFL game when he takes the field this fall.

Watson, a standout at the University of Florida, joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

He has since signed a three-year rookie contract reportedly including $50,000 in guaranteed money and a $20,000 signing bonus.

Despite the spotlight on his size, Watson emphasized to reporters during a press conference that he hopes to be recognized for his play, not just his weight.

“I feel like my name is etched in history, of course, as being the official heaviest player in the NFL or whatnot,” Watson said.

“It’s a good story, but at the same time I don’t want that to be my narrative. I want to be known as a football player – and a good football player at that.”

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Watson’s athletic performance has already raised eyebrows.

At the NFL Combine earlier this year, he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.86 seconds—a notable result for a player of his size—and completed 36 reps on the 225-pound bench press, the highest total of any participant at the event.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles addressed Watson’s arrival, making it clear that the team plans to take a measured approach with his development.

“He’s got to make the team first of all,” Bowles said.

“Right now, we just got to see how long he can stay on the field and put him on a [conditioning] program where we think he can make some progress. I think that’s the biggest thing for us to do right now. We didn’t get him and say, ‘Hey, we’ve got to put you on the field right now.’”

Watson has reportedly dropped 27 pounds since his pro day, signaling a commitment to conditioning as he transitions to the professional level.

Even after the weight loss, he remains the heaviest player on record in NFL history.

Fans took to social media as news of Watson’s debut spread.

Reactions ranged from humor to encouragement.

One user wrote, “Tampa is a bad place for summer football workouts when you are 437 pounds.” Another fan commented, “This is awesome. I want to see this guy succeed so bad!”

Watson and his fellow rookies began on-field drills Friday as part of the Buccaneers’ rookie orientation.

As he works to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster, Watson will continue to be a focal point—not only for his size but for his potential impact on Tampa Bay’s defensive line.

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.