Latest news with #FloridaGators'
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.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
'Reboot the Pirates' Launches: Fans Aim to Crowdfund Team Ownership and Install ChatGPT as GM
'Reboot the Pirates' Launches: Fans Aim to Crowdfund Team Ownership and Install ChatGPT as GM A fan-led revolution is taking shape in Pittsburgh. The newly launched Reboot the Pirates campaign is rallying die-hard fans and forward-thinking investors to crowdfund the purchase of the Pittsburgh Pirates and install ChatGPT as a data-driven general manager — aiming to outthink big-market teams with smarter, AI-powered decisions. After decades of low payrolls, mismanagement, and wasted potential, the campaign seeks to end business-as-usual in the Pirates front office. The group is targeting Reg A+ crowdfunding to offer fans a real equity stake in the team, with a minimum pledge of $10,000. The campaign is led by Pittsburgh native and entrepreneur Justin Stayrook, and AI strategist Andy Etemadi, principals at EYEMAGINE, an AI-focused consulting firm. 'This isn't just about frustration with the Pirates - it's about proving that fans, with the right tools, can build something smarter,' said Stayrook. 'We're combining modern tech and fan passion to create the most transparent front office in sports.' 'Other teams pay $200 million for mediocrity,' added Etemadi. 'We believe AI can help us build a winner on a budget - and actually explain our decisions to the fans.' The AI-powered front office would leverage ChatGPT to evaluate trades, simulate roster decisions, and make transparent, explainable moves - all published for public scrutiny. The plan includes a hybrid model of AI + human advisors, with fan governance to keep leadership accountable.A Proven Model: Florida Gators' AI-Powered Championship The concept of AI-driven team building isn't without precedent. In 2025, the University of Florida's men's basketball team captured the national championship, propelled by the integration of AI analytics into their training and strategy. Through the UF & Sport Collaborative, a $2.5 million initiative, the Gators used AI to optimize roster performance, improve player workloads, and make strategic transfer portal decisions - demonstrating how smart technology can fuel a championship run. 'We've had decades of disappointment. Now we have the tool, and the will, to do something radically better,' said Stayrook. 'It's time to reboot the Pirates.' Media Contact: Email: [email protected] Website: Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tournament Hero for Florida Named West Region All-Tournament
Few players have embraced their roles as effectively as Florida Gators' sophomore forward Thomas Haugh, who has thrived as the team's sixth man throughout the NCAA Tournament. Coming off the bench, Haugh has been a catalyst for the Gators, combining energy and skill to elevate his team when it mattered most. Advertisement His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor made him a vital piece in Florida's journey to the Final Four, earning recognition for his versatility and determination. Haugh's standout performance in the Elite Eight against Texas Tech—where he recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds—earned him a spot on the West Region's All-Tournament team. Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh reacts after beating the Texas Tech Red Howard-Imagn Images Averaging 13.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and a block per game throughout the NCAA Tournament, he has established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable players for the Gators. Throughout this season, Haugh has consistently risen to the occasion whenever the Gators needed him most. Whether filling in due to injuries, stepping up in moments of foul trouble, or providing a spark off the bench, he has proven himself as a versatile and dependable player. Advertisement His ability to adapt and contribute under a variety of circumstances has been a cornerstone of Florida's success, and he is poised to continue making an impact on the sport's biggest stage. As Florida prepares for their showdown against top-seeded Auburn, the stakes couldn't be higher. The Gators will lean on their experience and Haugh's reliability to tip the scales in their favor as they aim to punch their ticket to the National Championship. Related: Florida Makes Major Walter Clayton Jr. Announcement Ahead of Final Four
Fox News
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
NFL prospect Desmond Watson seeks to become heaviest player drafted in league history
Defensive lineman Desmond Watson showcased his football skills in front of scouts at the Florida Gators' NFL Pro Day on Thursday. Watson, who is listed at 464 pounds, is aiming to make NFL history. If a franchise selects Watson in next month's draft, he would become the heaviest player drafted in league history. Watson did not speak with the media after he went through some drills in Gainesville on Thursday. But Watson's teammates and coaches spoke on his behalf and praised the NFL Draft prospect for what he was able to accomplish during his time with the Gators. "He moves way better than anybody thought he would at his size," fellow defensive tackle Joey Slackman said. "I don't see why a team wouldn't give him a chance. He's a football player through and through; I would want that guy on my team." Watson attended this year's NFL Scouting Combine, where he bench-pressed 225 pounds 36 times. He also completed the 40-yard dash in 5.93 seconds. Watson's vertical leap reached 25 inches. Watson's size and strength stood out during perhaps the most important day in his professional journey. "Dez, obviously, he's a unicorn," Florida coach Billy Napier said. "You'll go the rest of your career, and you'll never be around a guy that's that stature. And then you get to know Dez. He's extremely intelligent. He's got a great sense of humor. He was a great teammate. "Obviously showed up in good shape today, so he'll get his shot, and I'm hoping he'll make the most of it." Watson was listed at 449 pounds last season, up from 435 pounds as a junior and 415 pounds as a sophomore. He's had to manage his weight since he first stepped foot on campus in 2021, when then-Florida coach Dan Mullen called him "a 385-pound athlete." "He's had numerous nutritionists, numerous position coaches, numerous strength coaches, and I think this past year we probably executed the best we have," Napier said. "And I thought he played his best football of his career. In general, I think he's learned a lot about habit-building, self-discipline. "Ultimately, the guy's frame score would indicate that he's going to be a huge. That number's always going to be pretty big. He's 6-foot-6 and just the density, the bone structure. It's just a big man." Watson never missed a game in his four seasons in Gainesville. His highlights, though, are few and far between. He rag-dolled South Florida running back Brian Battie in 2022 and ripped the ball out of South Carolina running back Jaheim Bell's hands for a forced fumble and a fumble return later that year. Watson probably would have scored had quarterback Spencer Rattler missed an open-field tackle. Watson finished his collegiate career with 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Offensive linemen Trent Brown and Daniel Faalele are the heaviest NFL players drafted to date. Both players were 380 pounds. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
USA Today
24-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Scouting Florida, Maryland ahead of 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 matchup
Scouting Florida, Maryland ahead of 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 matchup The top-seeded Florida Gators' success so far in the 2025 NCAA Tournament has earned the program its first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2017. It took a blowout win that left a bit to be desired over the 16th-seeded Norfolk State Spartans in the first round and a white-knuckle comeback victory over the two-time defending national champions, the UConn Huskies, in the round of 32 to get back to this promised land. But the work is far from over with four games left before the Orange and Blue can hoist the championship banner back inside the O'Connell Center. First, Todd Golden's gang has to get past the fourth-seeded Maryland Terrapins who finished tied for second with the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten during the regular season and behind the Michigan State Spartans. It certainly does not get easier but the Gators are the hottest team in the nation right now and are up for the challenge. With a few days remaining before the next battle, CBS Sports writer Cameron Salerno scouted each team in the Sweet 16, including Florida and Maryland, and had the following to offer. CBS Sports scouting report for Florida "Florida rolls into the West Regional as the team to beat. The Gators withstood a heavyweight fight against two-time reigning national champion UConn to advance to the Sweet 16. Florida's offense starts and stops with All-American Walter Clayton Jr., who is arguably the best guard in the country," Salerno begins. "Florida can overwhelm teams with its size down low and has the perfect blend of depth and star power to make a deep run. Florida ranks No. 1 in adjusted offensive efficiency and 10th in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom. The Gators don't have many weaknesses." CBS Sports scouting report for Maryland "Maryland has one of the most talented starting lineups in this country. It starts with star big man Derik Queen, a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Queen and fellow frontcourt mate Julian Reese — the brother of former LSU star Angel Reese — are a dynamic duo with each capable of finishing with a double-double every night," Salerno notes. "You can't forget about the guard play on this team, either. Ja'Kobi Gillespie (14.7 points per game), Rodney Rice (13.8) and Selton Miguel (12.0) all average double-digit points. Maryland did finish ranked No. 314 in bench minutes, and part of that is because the starting lineup is that good." How to watch Florida-Maryland in Sweet 16 The Gators will take on the Terrapins on Thursday, March 27, in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. Tipoff at the Chase Center in San Francisco is scheduled for 7:39 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast nationally on TBS. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
