'Heaviest NFL Player' Ultimately Excluded from Training... "Weight Loss Comes First"

A 210kg Giant, Clear Strengths and Weaknesses
"We Will Get Him to a Playable Level"

Desmond Watson (22, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), a rookie defensive player who made his name as the "heaviest player in NFL history," has ultimately been excluded from team training.

Desmond Watson, NFL rookie defensive player. Barstool Sports X (formerly Twitter)

On the 27th, AP and other media outlets reported that Watson has been placed on the Non-Football Injury List (NFI) and will not participate in training. The NFI includes players who are unable to join training due to injuries or illnesses unrelated to football games.

Watson plays the position of defensive tackle, guarding the center of the defensive line. This role involves stopping the opponent's running plays and putting pressure on the quarterback, and is typically assigned to a large player with quick reaction speed. However, Tampa Bay has determined that, at his current weight, Watson is unlikely to be able to play in actual games. While Watson's size is certainly an advantage, there were concerns that it could also become a significant weakness, and these concerns have now materialized. As a result, the team has made weight loss Watson's top priority since his signing. Watson will not be allowed to train with his teammates until he reaches the undisclosed target weight set by the team.

Desmond Watson, a rookie defensive player in the National Football League (NFL). Photo by Yonhap News.

Todd Bowles, head coach of Tampa Bay, stated, "Watson is currently working with the team nutritionist to manage his weight. He is under daily observation," and added, "We are helping him get healthier so he can perform better on the field." Bowles also said, "It is not yet determined how much weight he will lose or when he will return. Since he is from Florida, he is used to the heat. The important thing is to get his body to a level where he can play in games."

Previously, Watson played for the University of Florida. During the school's NFL Pro Day in March, he drew attention by weighing in at 464 pounds (approximately 210 kg). Pro Day is an event where college players showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts and it serves as an important evaluation before the draft. Watson was not selected in the NFL rookie draft in April, but later joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent. It is reported that after signing with Tampa Bay, Watson lost 30 pounds (13 kg) in May.