Latest news with #DesmondWatson
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign heaviest NFL player Desmond Watson to develop as key player beyond tackling 'Tush Push'
Buccaneers sign Desmond Watson to boost defense beyond the tush push (Image via: Getty Images) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed 464-pound defensive tackle Desmond Watson following the 2025 NFL Draft, sparking speculation he's their answer to the league's controversial 'tush push' play. However, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles clarified Watson is a long-term developmental project, valued for his potential to become a versatile, impactful player rather than just a quick fix against one specific tactic. Beyond the Tush Push : A long-term vision for Desmond Watson Desmond Watson's size and presence on the field immediately make him a unique asset. At the University of Florida, Watson was not only a defensive force but also occasionally used in short-yardage offensive situations, leveraging his weight and power to bulldoze through opponents. This dual-threat capability hints at the potential Tampa Bay sees in him. Todd Bowles has emphasized that the team isn't rushing Watson into action solely to counter the tush push tactic. 'To judge him right now is very early, and we didn't get him for the tush push — we got him because we really thought he could play,' Bowles said. Instead, their focus is on building his endurance and refining his skills so he can stay on the field for more snaps and contribute effectively throughout the game. This patient approach shows the Buccaneers are investing in Watson's long-term growth, aiming to develop a player who can offer more than just situational bursts. The NFL has historically adapted quickly to emerging trends like the Wildcat offense or the current tush push, but teams willing to innovate with players like Watson could redefine defensive and short-yardage offensive strategies. Tampa Bay's move signals their commitment to staying ahead of the curve by nurturing unique talents rather than settling for quick fixes. Also Read: 'He going to be ass': Tyreek Hill's bold dig at Travis Hunter sparks NFL buzz As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on Desmond Watson to see if he can transform from a promising 2025 UDFA into a key contributor for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping them navigate and potentially dominate the evolving defensive and offensive tactics, including strategies to counter the NFL's controversial tush push play. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Desmond Watson ready to shape his own narrative during tenure with Bucs
Desmond Watson ready to shape his own narrative during tenure with Bucs Desmond Watson is a mountain of a man and an imposing presence on the football field. He played a vital role in the success that the Florida Gators' defense had down the stretch in 2024. They had a tough start to the season, but he was part of the reason they turned it around in the end. He now hopes to carry that momentum into his NFL career,r and so far he has, starting with shedding some of his weight. After weighing 464 pounds at the Florida Pro Day, he is already losing weight. He is doing so because he wants to be more than a number at the end of his career. In an interview with Bucs media, he explained as much and more. "I feel like my name is etched in history, of course, as the official heaviest player in the NFL, or whatnot, it's a good story; at the same time I don't want it to be my narrative. I want to be known as a football player, and a good football player at that. But it's nice to be able to make history…I guess again because I did it in college, too. It's nice to be able to make history but all in all, I am a football player and I want to be known as a good one. So it's just a process that comes with it, I guess." Watson is already receiving praise from coaches early on after a good rookie minicamp, and he now has momentum going into the next set of organized team activities.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Desmond Watson wants to be known as more than just the heaviest player in NFL history
Buccaneers undrafted rookie defensive lineman Desmond Watson knows he's getting more attention than other undrafted rookies, and he knows that's because of his size. He hopes that doesn't stay the case forever. Watson weighed 464 pounds at Florida's Pro Day. He recently said he has dieted down to 437, but even at his slimmer weight he would be the heaviest player in NFL history, and that isn't what he wants to be known for. Advertisement "I feel like my name is etched in history, of course, as the official heaviest player in the NFL, or whatnot," Watson said, via "It's a good story; at the same time I don't want it to be my narrative. I want to be known as a football player, and a good football player at that. But it's nice to be able to make history. . . . I guess again because I did it in college, too. It's nice to be able to make history but all in all, I am a football player and I want to be known as a good one. So it's just a process that comes with it, I guess." Watson is no sure thing to make the Bucs' roster, and probably has a better chance if he can get his weight down under 400 pounds and show improved mobility and quickness. Right now he's a curiosity because of his size; he hopes to gain respect in the league because of his play.
NBC Sports
11-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Desmond Watson wants to be known as more than just the heaviest player in NFL history
Buccaneers undrafted rookie defensive lineman Desmond Watson knows he's getting more attention than other undrafted rookies, and he knows that's because of his size. He hopes that doesn't stay the case forever. Watson weighed 464 pounds at Florida's Pro Day. He recently said he has dieted down to 437, but even at his slimmer weight he would be the heaviest player in NFL history, and that isn't what he wants to be known for. 'I feel like my name is etched in history, of course, as the official heaviest player in the NFL, or whatnot,' Watson said, via 'It's a good story; at the same time I don't want it to be my narrative. I want to be known as a football player, and a good football player at that. But it's nice to be able to make history. . . . I guess again because I did it in college, too. It's nice to be able to make history but all in all, I am a football player and I want to be known as a good one. So it's just a process that comes with it, I guess.' Watson is no sure thing to make the Bucs' roster, and probably has a better chance if he can get his weight down under 400 pounds and show improved mobility and quickness. Right now he's a curiosity because of his size; he hopes to gain respect in the league because of his play.
Fox News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Desmond Watson, dubbed 'the tush push terminator,' turning heads at Buccaneers rookie minicamp
Could this Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie defensive lineman be the answer to stopping the Philadelphia Eagles' dreaded "tush push" play? Desmond Watson would've made NFL Draft history as the heaviest player ever to be taken at 464 pounds with a 6-foot-6 frame, but the Bucs quickly added him as one of their 15 undrafted free agent signings. He's been coined "the tush push terminator" due to his ability to stuff the line of scrimmage, and he was a sight to see at the team's rookie minicamp. Watson has already been cutting weight as he tries to make the Bucs' roster, coming in at 437 pounds for minicamp. Before the draft, Watson discussed his understanding that he would need to cut weight to realize his NFL dream. He said stopping to eat while driving has been a main reason why he gained so much weight during his time with the Florida Gators. "Stopping while driving," Watson said when asked about bad habits he's tried to shed at his pro day. "My biggest thing is keep going, get to where I need to get. There are stores and a lot of temptations. That's helped me immensely: Don't go inside the gas station. Pay at the pump. Because inside, it's snacks and all types of things like that. Don't pull over. If you're on the highway, stay on the highway until you get where you've got to go." The heaviest player in the NFL last season was Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Daniel Faalele at 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds. And while there is no official record for the heaviest player in the NFL, many agree it was former Chicago Bears tackle Aaron Gibson, who weighed 410 pounds during his career from 1999-2004. Watson said he's trying to eat better, especially when it comes to snacking. It's been peanuts and almonds recently, and his main meals have changed as well. If Watson were to make the Bucs' roster, they would have quite the formidable defensive interior, especially with his role model, Vita Vea, doing what the rookie hopes to in the NFL. At 347 pounds, Vea's athleticism is a sight to behold on game day, as he swallows up quarterbacks and running backs alike with his ability to penetrate into the backfield at nose tackle. Watson doesn't possess Vea's athleticism, but he can move for his size. He also would've set the NFL Combine bench press record if he were present, as he repped 225 pounds 36 times at Florida's pro day. And considering the tush push – NFL owners are expected to discuss a potential ban on it later this offseason – having a duo like that in the interior could be the antidote for defenses stopping the short-yardage play that teams are trying to replicate from the Eagles. Watson is also hoping to play for the team he grew up near, as he's from Plant City, which is east of Tampa. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
