NFL rookie who was deemed TOO FAT to play is given shock second chance

Overweight NFL star Desmond Watson has been given second chance at gridiron glory after hitting scales at 464 pounds, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad.  

Watson, the heaviest player in NFL history, was cut by the Buccaneers last month as they trimmed their roster to 53 active members, in an expected move due to not appearing in the preseason as an undrafted NFL rookie.

Due to his weight, Watson was placed on Tampa Bay's non-football illness list in the preseason and only taken off due to being cut. 

Watson's mission to slim down and take part in team activities was never deemed successful. Now, per Fox Sports, he has met their conditioning requirements, and is on the doorstep of an NFL opportunity.

Before Watson, the heaviest NFL player ever as Aaron Gibson, a former offensive tackle, who was listed by the Dallas Cowboys at 410 pounds during the 2002 season. 

Some fans believe the move to elevate Watson may come before Sunday's game against the Eagles as their attempt to stop the tush push. Watson and Vita Vea have a combined weight of around 800 pounds and may try to be a human iceberg. 

In July, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Watson's absence from training camp was related to his weight.  

'It's just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and get him on the field more,' Bowles said. 'That's where I'm at right now. He's working at it and we're working with him and that's all you can ask.' 

'We have some things in mind with him, where we want to see him at,' Bowles said. 'He's made some progress. . . . I don't have a timetable on what we can get him down to or when that comes.' 

Watson played in every game he suited up for the Florida Gators, making 63 appearances for the Southeastern Conference school. 

Watson notably played running back, for one play for Florida, during the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl against Tulane, gaining one yard.