• Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Desmond Watson, the heaviest NFL player ever at 464 pounds, but he must lose weight before playing.
• Watson is on the non-football illness list and has been absent from training camp as he works on improving his health and fitness.
• Fans and experts are divided over the team’s tough approach, debating whether it protects his career or unfairly sidelines him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew they were taking on a mountain of a man when they signed defensive lineman Desmond Watson. At 6ft 5in and a staggering 464 pounds, the 22-year-old instantly made NFL history as the league’s heaviest-ever player. But the sheer size that once made him a high school sensation has now landed him in the middle of a storm — benched before even playing a snap, until he drops serious weight.

Signed in Hope, Benched in Reality

Watson’s arrival in Tampa Bay as an undrafted rookie this summer had all the makings of a feel-good underdog story. He had fought through criticism and doubts about his size for years, dominating opponents with sheer power and surprising athleticism for a man of his build.

But when he walked into training camp, reality hit like a linebacker blitz. Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht revealed that Watson’s playing days will have to wait.

“We have some milestones we want him to hit before we get him out there,” Licht said carefully, sidestepping specifics. “He’s doing a solid job getting there. That’s all I’ll say.”

Behind those words, the message was clear: the Bucs believe Watson needs to slim down if he’s going to withstand the speed, stamina, and punishing pace of an NFL game.

From Gridiron to Sideline Spectator

The decision has left Watson on the team’s non-football illness list — a designation that often covers medical or personal issues unrelated to injuries suffered during play. For him, it’s a weight matter.

This week, video footage surfaced showing the young defensive tackle emerging from the stadium tunnel as his teammates went through high-intensity drills. Dressed in workout gear but without pads, Watson stood on the sideline, talking with coaches and occasionally smiling. To some fans, his upbeat demeanor was a sign he’s taking the setback in stride.

“He looked like he was in good spirits,” one fan commented on social media. “But you can tell he wants to be out there hitting someone.”

The Head Coach Speaks Out

Last month, head coach Todd Bowles pulled no punches in confirming the reason behind Watson’s absence from practice.

“It’s just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and get him on the field more,” Bowles explained. “He’s working at it and we’re working with him, and that’s all you can ask.”

Bowles admitted there’s no strict deadline for when Watson might reach the target weight they have in mind. But until then, his NFL dream is on hold.

“He’s made some progress,” Bowles said. “We have some things in mind for him, where we want to see him at. I don’t have a timetable.”

Fans and Critics Clash Over the Decision

The move has sparked fierce debate among NFL fans. Some believe Tampa Bay is showing tough love, protecting Watson’s long-term health and giving him the best shot at a sustainable career.

“They’re saving his career before it even starts,” one supporter argued online. “Better to fix it now than have him blow out a knee in Week 1.”

Others feel the Bucs are shaming him publicly and robbing themselves of a potential defensive asset. “Let the man play!” another fan posted. “He’s always been big. If he can move, use him.”

Sports radio shows have also taken up the conversation, with some former players admitting the league’s speed and conditioning demands are unlike anything even the most dominant college athletes have faced.

The Weight of NFL Expectations

For Watson, the challenge is not just about dropping pounds but doing so while keeping his strength and explosiveness — the very qualities that made him stand out at the University of Florida. There, he became a fan favorite for bulldozing offensive linemen and plugging up running lanes like a human wall.

But NFL insiders note that playing at over 460 pounds comes with risks: decreased mobility, faster fatigue, and a higher chance of injury. In a league where games can turn on a single explosive play, even the smallest drop in stamina can be the difference between making a tackle and giving up a touchdown.

A Long Shot for the Roster

As it stands, Watson is facing an uphill battle to make Tampa Bay’s final 53-man roster. The team’s defensive line is stacked with veterans and younger players who have already been through months of conditioning work.

Still, some insiders believe the Bucs wouldn’t invest time in Watson if they didn’t see potential. The fact that he hasn’t been cut outright suggests they believe he could become a valuable asset — if he can meet their fitness benchmarks.

“Don’t write him off,” a team source told local reporters. “If he hits those goals, he could still be a game-changer.”

Public Pressure and Personal Pride

While the Buccaneers haven’t disclosed the exact number they want Watson to hit on the scale, speculation among fans runs anywhere from 380 to 400 pounds — still enormous by NFL standards, but a level that might allow him to keep his strength while improving agility.

The scrutiny is intense. Every new clip of him at practice, every photo from the sidelines, sparks fresh discussion online. For a young athlete trying to break into the league, the pressure of knowing millions are weighing in on your weight is no small burden.

Yet Watson’s history suggests he thrives under challenge. In high school and college, he faced similar doubts and always found a way to prove people wrong. Whether that resilience translates into a breakthrough in the NFL will be the storyline to watch over the coming months.