Seems Todd Bowles Is Tired Of Answering Desmond Watson Questions
August 13th, 2025
Todd Bowles is tight-lipped about UDFA Desmond Watson.
As Joe typed in today’s practice notes, Joe did not see Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs or Rachaad White at practice today at Thornton Mellon University (sarcasm alert).
But there was one person unable to practice. That is UDFA Desmond Watson. The very large defensive tackle, previously well over 400 pounds, was ordered to lose weight to be in shape enough to practice.
Watson was given this directive in April. He still hasn’t been on the training camp practice field some three months later.
“This Joe” never bought into the Watson hype. Cool story, but “this Joe” never thought Watson would make the Bucs. And his chances are pretty close to evaporating.
It is highly unlikely Watson plays in the second of three worthless preseason games Saturday in Pittsburgh. If he can’t get on a practice field in the next 10 days, Joe doesn’t know how he will make a practice squad, forget about the final-53.
In a sad way, Watson has been sort of a sideshow. He’s always at practice, but he cannot practice. And he made the trip to Pittsburgh.
After practice today, Bowles was asked (again) about Watson and it sure seemed to Joe that Bowles is close to turning the page on the Florida product.
Asked about Watson, Bowles responded, “Nothing to add until he’s out there.”
And he’s not out there. And there is no telling when or if he will ever be “out there.”
So why isn’t Watson “out there?” He hasn’t lost the weight the Bucs want so he is physically fit enough to practice. And Joe thinks that’s sad, not because his dream of playing for his hometown team is about to go poof. Watson has a life issue, not a football issue.
And because of that, Joe thinks this Watson experiment is sad in every way.
August 13th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
He has a chance to make millions of dollars. He should be on the cross trainer 12 hours a day. It *is* sad but gaining that much weight eating must be a compulsion. He needs therapy.
August 13th, 2025 at 4:56 pm
Well I hope they were realistic and it was like 10 percent …….. I mean for that guy to keep his strength and play. He can’t lose more than that over 60 days and anyway be effective. he’s the guy that’s gonna start his career playing at 385 to 405 It’s just the way it is. Even Vea shouldn’t get carried away , his game is strength not quickness ……. Can’t lose more than 10 percent and keep your strength unless your Steve Corsen ……. Steelers
August 13th, 2025 at 4:57 pm
And they should put as much pressure on Tez Johnson to gain weight
He looks like a JV high school player out there
I know he was highly productive in college, but this is the NFL
Maybe Tez and Benji should swap meals
August 13th, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Seems the situation is starting to weigh on Bowles a little.
August 13th, 2025 at 5:25 pm
StPeteMatt … ‘He should be on the cross trainer 12 hours a day. It *is* sad but gaining that much weight eating must be a compulsion. He needs therapy.’
Morbid obeisity (BMI over 40) like that is considered to be a chronic disease Matt, not something he can exercise his way out of (he’s played football for years … and surely exercised … but just gotten heavier & heavier). There are a lot of different approaches to deal with it (including surgery & weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovny & Zepbound), but I seriously doubt he’ll be on the Bucs’ roster this Fall (and most likely never).
August 13th, 2025 at 5:28 pm
Desmond Watson is becoming a side show. In order to make the team he’s got to loose the weight. Todd Bowles sounds irritated and has already moved on.
If Watson wants to make the team he needs to get control of his eating disorder.
.
August 13th, 2025 at 5:38 pm
BIGGEST LOSER
Remember the show “Biggest Loser”. Those contestants had badass trainers making them grind nonstop (rowing, lifting, stairmasters), eatting healthy, and getting rest. The big big contestants were losing 20-30 pounds in their first weeks. The top contestant lost 240 POUNDS in 12 weeks!!!!
TIME TO MOVE ON
Desmond has been with the Bucs for 4 weeks. His basal burn is 3,238 cals/day. That means if he did nothing but sit on his butt, he could burn 1 pound of fat per day. If he trained, he could burn 2 pounds of fat every day or more. If Desmond had the drive to be an NFL player, he’d be down 30-60 lbs by now. He’d be under 400. In another month, he’d be 360 lbs and a very rich man.
Simply put, he doesn’t want it. He doesn’t have the will power. Too bad.
August 13th, 2025 at 5:51 pm
I’m pulling for the guy to get his weight under control for his own health. But.. why do we think if he just loses the weight, he will be a “ rich” man? We don’t know if he can play football very well yet. Gotta have the NFL talent to be a “ rich” man …
August 13th, 2025 at 6:17 pm
Way too many pork chops…,
August 13th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
We’re wasting time on a guy that absolutely has zero chance of doing anything….why not kick the tires of literally anyone else? I’m guessing Bowles feels like it’s nothing more than a PR move that has no benefit to the product on the field.
August 13th, 2025 at 6:22 pm
@Joe or anyone that knows, can Watson be put on the NFI list and not count against a roster spot?
August 13th, 2025 at 6:27 pm
The Cowboys made Dez Bryant have a body guard, to protect him from himself as a condition of employment.
Todd could do that for Big Gator, until the dude develops proper dietary habits that he can be independent.
But Todd won’t.
August 13th, 2025 at 6:40 pm
Watson has a whole bunch of weight to lose. Just cut him and give him a program and a full year to lose it. He’s not playing on anybody’s team this season. He should just go on to Pro Wrestling. They will set him up with something.
August 13th, 2025 at 7:05 pm
I want to see Desmond Watson succeed, but I’m also of the mind it doesn’t have to be right now or with this team and that’s fine. Some of the extra attention is on the media wanting to continue or build on this story, because if it works it’s a helluva story. My observation is that doesn’t have to be now and I thought of that thinking of Walker getting to “red shirt” on IR.
Different circumstance, but players not playing for physical limitations happens all around the league. What’s rare in Watsons’ case is if we put him out there w/o being in shape to function well enough, he’s going to get hurt which not only doesn’t help us but it could ruin his chances of having an NFL career.
August 13th, 2025 at 7:31 pm
They should have had this fatso on ozempic since the day they signed him, he’d be down probably 80 pounds by now. So stupid to have amazing new tech available and just refuse to use it.
August 13th, 2025 at 7:43 pm
Tired of the Watson questions? Simple, cut his fat Arse!
August 13th, 2025 at 7:49 pm
Teams invest a year in young players all the time, hoping they might develop. I hope they give him a year to get healthy and in shape and it works.
August 13th, 2025 at 7:51 pm
agreed Rod, I don’t understand why he isn’t on Semiglutide. He needs help. If the Bucs cut him, some other NFL may pick him up and put him on the field, no matter what his physical condition might be. That could be a tragic situation at his weight.
August 13th, 2025 at 8:12 pm
I was rooting for him and thought he might be motivated but then realized – He’s known whats at stake his entire final year in college
August 13th, 2025 at 8:27 pm
Another example of the Bucs world class medical team working wonders with a player.
Pitiful.
August 13th, 2025 at 8:37 pm
Maybe he has a thyroid issue……🤣
If the NFL can’t motivate you to stop the Popeyes runs, what can?
August 13th, 2025 at 8:38 pm
ex gator being a side show thats a new one
August 13th, 2025 at 8:39 pm
are they waiting for him to slim down enough so he can do a triple lindy?
August 13th, 2025 at 8:52 pm
@Larrd, I tend to agree with you.
They would have never brought him onto the team at all unless they saw a possibility for him to make the team at some point, even if a longshot.
As long as they see him making progress, even if slow, they’ll stay in touch with him. If he needs a year to get into decent shape maybe they’ll bring him back next preseason.
August 13th, 2025 at 9:24 pm
My very humble opinion about D. Watson is that the Bucs organization, front office, coaches, trainers and medical staff are all in on helping a young man get healthy.
I doubt anyone ever thought he would play a down in the NFL but maybe they could help a local kid get his stuff together.
I could, and probably am way off base on what’s happening with this situation but this is how my mund makes sense of what’s going on.
I wish the best for the kid, I hope he makes all his dreams come true.
GO BUCS!
August 13th, 2025 at 9:36 pm
Like Eckwood said, hard to see who you can lose 20% of your body weight in a few months and retain in something that looks like physical strength
August 13th, 2025 at 10:31 pm
He would rather drink butter milk and eat bisquit out of the box then be a pro. Deuces
August 13th, 2025 at 11:27 pm
So what if he cant keep under a certain weight they have targeted. I dont know, im not out there. Maybe he’s slow, so thats the thing. But if he can be put on the practice squad and he has something over a year in working, then why not? But thats above my pay grade (non paid lol)
August 13th, 2025 at 11:59 pm
All he has ever likely done is eat unhealthy, he probably doesn’t know anything about eating lean, healthy and within a diet. Somebody thinks they are being nice and make biscuits and gravy for him.Shame.
August 14th, 2025 at 12:02 am
Not sure why he was given a spot when it was obvious he had months worth of a diet out in front. Sounds like Bowles doesn’t know why he is there as well.
August 14th, 2025 at 12:14 am
Agreed, Knothead!
August 14th, 2025 at 12:26 am
I don’t get it. Just do not understand the obsession, at ALL. I mean, you are NOT a ‘serious’ person whatsoever, if you use (waste) one of YOUR ‘questions” on this. Period.
August 14th, 2025 at 12:29 am
Need to set up a lipo hose between Desmond and Tez. Enjoyed the off-season antics of the meme: Bucs got the fattest and the skinniest players ever in the NFL, but at this point in the season, both players have demonstrated that they lack the discipline and maturity to enhance their weight to be NFL-ready.
August 14th, 2025 at 12:30 am
throw him on a fish scale by sharks nest cove and find out where he’s at
August 14th, 2025 at 2:15 am
maybe this is an insight into the coach. If I had a potential player that needed some special consideration, I would be doing something special to help that individual. Maybe I (We, Bucs Fans) have been wrong, maybe Todd Bowles is to self centered, to set in his ways. I think that there is something there with Desmond Watson that is worth an extra consideration, help him get his life and career together. Bucs fan since 1978 and the drafting to Doug Williams. Go Bucs
August 14th, 2025 at 2:52 am
Rod Munch: “They should have had this fatso on ozempic since the day they signed him, he’d be down probably 80 pounds by now. So stupid to have amazing new tech available and just refuse to use it.”
Truth.
August 14th, 2025 at 4:53 am
Agree with what others have commented – Dez may have a health condition we are not aware of, he may not know about best practices of eating good food and exercising. Healthy food choices are more expensive and not easily accessed for many as they are growing up. The Bucs are trying to help him out. Kudos to them.
I am rooting for Dez and would love to see him on our team. Also, he is local, went to Armwood. Good kid! Let’s wrap our arms around him and give him the inspiration he needs to succeed.
August 14th, 2025 at 5:38 am
There are some disgustingly nasty people in these comments. He’s probably a better human than most of you. Therefore he’s a winner in life (losers). You can comment without the attacks on him. This is why I don’t comment on anything anymore. Nasty people and political nut jobs.
August 14th, 2025 at 6:38 am
Whether he makes the team as a player or not, as community service, they need to give him a redshirt deal to loose weight healthily. I’m not some woke liberal, but the team should make a commitment to help this young man find health. The cost is miniscule, compared to the hopeful end result. Perhaps the Trump administration in its commitment to health can assist in helping him find health
August 14th, 2025 at 6:42 am
You can tell who all the fat F’s are with their comments haha tubby
August 14th, 2025 at 8:09 am
Dez was around 445 lbs as a senior and around 460 lbs on pro day. He is back down to around 445 lbs. Dez has always been a big guy. I am hoping the Bucs keep working with him and he gets a chance while keeping healthy. He is Plant City raised. Maybe they could end up naming a street after him too. So much there to not give up on.
August 14th, 2025 at 8:20 am
Aww is my comment to real for the algorithms?
August 14th, 2025 at 8:26 am
Yeah it must be… the term I just questioned..
Louinsrq, about his view of not being a w o k e L i b e r a l, for supporting a fellow Human..
Aww.. does those terms hurt someone’s feelings? Why allow the use them, and why can not others reply about them being used in reference to wanting to support a UDFA Buccaneer?
August 14th, 2025 at 9:18 am
@Defense Rules
It is absolutely a mental disorder. He has admitted that he has had an unhealthy relationship with food for years. Calories in, calories out. He continues to put way too many calories in. It is sad. He needs counseling and to establish a healthy relationship with food, with a much healthier diet. If he could get out of his own way he would have dropped enough weight to be on the practice field. Praying for the kid.
August 14th, 2025 at 9:28 am
Pathetic. He has no drive.
August 14th, 2025 at 10:29 am
Some clueless people are finally getting it… not the casual morons on Facebook though. They still think Vea and Watson are gonna team up and take away another team’s running game for 60 minutes… I’ve been saying since he was signed that giving money to an addict is ALWAYS a bad idea… but the clueless ones keep saying that with the Bucs nutritionist, training staff, etc, that he will get it together…. this isn’t an issue of him not knowing or having the resources, he knew and had the resources at Florida and still ate himself off the field. This dude has a sickness and football should be one of the least of his worries… sure, football gives him some motivation to not shutdown every IHOP he drives by… but he’s sadly proved me right… and at this point, who cares about football, this guy will likely never lived to see 40 if he doesn’t get himself clean.
August 14th, 2025 at 11:14 am
I never, NEVER, sling personal attacks on this site, but I’m going to this one time as it’s deserved.
“Let those without sin, cast the first stone.” Thumbs up if you know that quote.
All you posters calling him names without the benefit of knowing the whole story should be ashamed of yourselves.
What IF this young man does indeed have mental/emotional issues he’s working through, trying to better himself, and then he comes along and reads these comments. I’m sure these comments will be encouraging to him, correct?
Sad is right.
I’m hoping this kid is on the right path that he intends for his life and wish him the best, whether on the Bucs or not.
August 14th, 2025 at 11:32 am
Well said, D-Rok. Fully agree. I am rooting for Dez! Kindness goes a long way.
August 14th, 2025 at 11:55 am
Bowles must obviously, feel the same way as I do about this and is just tired of having to answer all of these same questions EVERY freaking day. This was always, going to be a ‘redshirt’ year for this kid, at BEST. And, no sane person ever thought he would be any type of a contributor at all, for THIS season. So, just move-on… Allow the dude (and the Bucs) to continue working on himself, in fricken PEACE. It’s entirely irrelevant for THIS season. Meaningless. As a reporter, why continue peppering Bowles with the same damn questions over and over again about this kid… It’s a total waste of ‘your question’ (especially, when someone else, right in front of you, had just asked (I mean, TF?)). Ask something RELEVANT. Absolutely NOTHING is going to drastically change in a matter of a few months. And, they’re prob scared to put the kid out there at full speed right now!
August 14th, 2025 at 3:59 pm
Saw it coming. If you don’t have the discipline to control your weight, you don’t have it to play.