Desmond Watson

Desmond Watson (born January 5, 2003), nicknamed "Big Dez", is an American professional football nose tackle. He played college football for the Florida Gators. From Armwood High School, Watson is known for his size, standing at and weighing over . One of the largest players in NCAA Division I football history, he played for Florida from 2021 to 2024. He signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2025.

Early life Born in Plant City, Florida, Watson is one of six children and was the lightest at birth. He quickly increased in size and by the time he was in peewee youth football leagues he was already a "giant", according to The Naples Daily News. By his junior year, he weighed , a number heavier than every defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) at the time.

Watson played 13 games as a junior in 2019, totaling 65 tackles, 34 of which were for a loss, as well as 10.0 sacks, helping Armwood compile a record of 12–2 and make a deep run in the state playoffs. He was named a second-team all-state selection for his performance. As a senior, he played eight games, posting 39 tackles and 6.0 sacks. Watson finished his time at Armwood with 158 total tackles, including 113 solo stops, 24.0 sacks and nine quarterback hurries. A four-star recruit, he received offers to play college football from several major schools, including Alabama, Florida State, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee, eventually choosing to commit to play for the Florida Gators. He played a total of 150 snaps and saw defensive action in eight games, recording seven tackles and half a sack. He stripped the ball away against South Carolina while stiff-arming quarterback Spencer Rattler, which became a viral video. He entered spring camp in 2024 with a weight of , later dropping back down to for the 2024 season. As a senior in 2024, he played in all 13 games and totaled 20 tackles, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. He concluded his collegiate career having appeared in every game and made 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Professional career

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Although not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Watson impressed at his pro day.

On July 24, 2025, Watson was placed on the non-football injury list. Watson weighed in at 449 pounds and head coach Todd Bowles said he wanted Watson to be a "healthier player on the field". He was waived on August 25, a day before the deadline for final roster cuts. After clearing waivers, Watson was initially not signed to the Buccaneers practice squad before the start of the 2025 regular season. On September 23, after a tryout, he was re-signed to the team's practice squad. Watson was released on November 11.

DC Defenders On January 14, 2026, Watson was selected by the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He was released on January 21.

Personal life Watson wore number 21 to honor his younger brother, who became disabled after suffering a stroke.