Desmond Watson released the NFL as one of the most unique players in league history. He weighed 464 pounds at his Florida pro day. That’s a record. Never in history, probably, has somebody dumped higher loads onto the football field than Watson. His size made newspapers, but the very thing that propelled his meteoric rise in popularity was a rare athleticism. Apart from 225 pounds on his back for 36 reps, which is just freaking strong, he ran the 40 in an unwitnessed 5.93 for a giant. His 25-inch vertical leap was good for anyone. He was 6-6 and moved better than many linemen.
Scouts and coaches called him a “unicorn”. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft. That’s big news because Watson was both a project and a challenge.
At Florida, Watson was a reliable defensive tackle. He played in every game of his career and he had 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He broke up a pass and carried the ball for a first down in the Gasparilla Bowl. Fans loved that moment. They cheered as the giant lineman plowed forward for positive yards. His highlights went viral. Clips showed him throwing blockers aside like rag dolls. Commentators called him a force of nature. Coaches praised his durability and toughness. Teammates loved his energy.
The Bucs Release Watson
On August 25, the Bucs announced. They waived Watson and they didn’t put him on the reserve-NFI list. They didn’t assign him to the practice squad either. At least not yet. The move ended his Tampa Bay opportunity. Reporters tweeted the news. It went across the football media and another wave of headlines.
Watson’s agent responded with confidence. “Job’s not finished.” He said Watson would keep training. That’s determination and belief in Watson’s talent.
The cut was reality more than rejection. The Bucs needed active players ready to help now. Watson still needed to get his body in shape. Coaches saw his talent, but rosters had limited spots. They couldn’t afford to gamble long term when they needed short-term production.
For Watson, it was a setback and a challenge. He lost his first NFL job but he didn’t lose his identity as a player. He left camp with lessons, motivation and new goals.
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Social Media Reacts to the Decision
Fans reacted immediately. Many felt for him. They liked that he was trying to hit his conditioning marks and they knew losing 50 pounds in 3 months was tough. They discussed the balance of size and function. Analysts reminded everyone that extreme size doesn’t always equal success. They brought up past big players who faced similar struggles. Most of those players never had a long career. But some fans still believed in him. They said he was a rare athlete. Another team could develop him with time. They said he was young and worked hard. Watson’s situation was a lesson in perseverance.
Comparison to Other Heavy NFL Players
There have been several heavy NFL players. Aaron Gibson weighed 410 pounds when he entered the league. Trent Brown was over 380 pounds as a starting tackle. Mekhi Becton was around 370 pounds early in his career. None were 464 pounds like Watson. That was unique. That was a challenge. The league gets faster every year. Offensive linemen run downfield. Defensive linemen chase quarterbacks across the field. Extra weight is a liability.
Lessons from Watson’s Journey
Watson’s story teaches athletes about preparation. Getting to the NFL is more than college production. It’s elite conditioning. Teams expect players to fine-tune their bodies for maximum performance. Scouts reward discipline as much as talent. Watson showed determination, but the timeline was too short. His 15-pound weight loss was impressive, but the NFL schedule doesn’t allow for long transformations. Coaches demand to be ready day one.
Watson learned how unforgiving pro football can be. His cut also reminded fans that not every undrafted free agent makes it. Many talented players never get a roster spot. The NFL is brutal. Dozens for one spot. Teams have to make quick decisions. Watson’s release was the business side of sports. Every roster cut leaves talented players without a job. Watson was just another name on that long list. But he was unique because of his size.
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Future Possibilities
Watson is still young. He has time to remake his career. If he loses more weight, teams will take another look. Defensive tackles with power are valuable. Short-yardage specialists help on third downs. Coaches love interior defenders who clog running lanes. Watson can fill that role if he gets in shape. His agent said he will continue to train. His next few months will decide his career. Other leagues exist. Spring football leagues or international leagues will call. He can use those opportunities to show progress.
Fans will be watching. Social media has already built a community for him. They call him an underdog. They want him to beat the odds. His story inspires people who struggle with weight in their own lives. He represents resilience and determination. His fight continues regardless of Tampa Bay’s decision.
