Desmond Watson is an American professional football defensive tackle currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL. Born on January 5, 2003, in Plant City, Florida, Watson attended Armwood High School, where he emerged as a dominant defensive player with notable statistics including 65 tackles and 34 tackles for loss during his junior year. He committed to the University of Florida, where he played four seasons with the Florida Gators from 2020 to 2024, never missing a single game and appearing in 53 contests. At Florida, Watson was recognized for his durability and consistency rather than standout statistical production, totaling 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks over his college career. He also demonstrated versatility by occasionally playing as a short-yardage fullback, notably in the Gasparilla Bowl. Known for his extraordinary size, Watson stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed around 449 to 464 pounds during his college and early professional career, making him the heaviest player ever drafted into the NFL. His Pro Day performance was remarkable for his size, showcasing 36 bench press reps at 225 pounds and a 5.93-second 40-yard dash, highlighting his unique combination of strength and surprising mobility. Watson was drafted and signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025. Upon joining the NFL, he garnered attention as the heaviest player in league history, which sparked discussions about how his size might impact his performance. As of the start of his rookie season, he was placed on the non-football injury list while working on conditioning goals. Coaches see potential in Watson's rare physical attributes as they develop his skills for professional play[1][2][3][5][7][8].