Desmond Watson Makes NFL History as Heaviest Player with Buccaneers
TAMPA BAY — Desmond Watson has already made a mark in the NFL before even stepping onto the field for a regular-season game. The 6-foot-6, 464-pound defensive tackle from Florida recently signed with his hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers after going undrafted. As he embarks on his NFL journey during the three-day rookie minicamp starting Friday, all eyes will be on him, rivaling the attention given to the team’s first-round pick, former Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka.
While Watson’s immense size is noteworthy, the Buccaneers would prefer he shed a few pounds for better agility on the field. Watson’s journey with the Florida Gators saw limited progress, described by coach Billy Napier as “a unicorn” for his unique stature and abilities.
Watson’s historic weight puts him leagues ahead of current NFL players, with the heaviest being Baltimore Ravens guard Daniel Faalele at 380 pounds. Historically, football has seen several heavyweights, including Aaron Gibson, who weighed 410 pounds as a first-round draft pick in 1999. Terrell Brown, at 403 pounds, had a brief stint with the Rams, and Nate Newton, nicknamed “The Kitchen,” played as a dominant guard at 401 pounds during his tenure in the 1990s.
Other notable heavyweights include Michael Jasper (394 pounds) and Bryant McKinnie (386 pounds), who excelled in long careers despite their size. William "The Refrigerator" Perry, weighing 382 pounds, became a fan favorite with his iconic touchdowns. Desmond Watson is now poised to join this league of extraordinary players, as the Buccaneers hope they can harness his potential while encouraging a healthier weight.
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