Context:

Desmond Watson, a rookie for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has made history as the NFL's heaviest player at 464 pounds. Despite being undrafted, Watson has joined the Bucs for their rookie minicamp, drawing significant attention alongside first-round pick Emeka Egbuka. Historically, the NFL has seen other heavy players such as Aaron Gibson, who faced challenges due to weight and injuries, and Nate Newton, who became a dominant player after improving his fitness. Other notable heavy players include Jared Lorenzen, known as 'The Hefty Lefty,' and William 'The Refrigerator' Perry, who became a cultural icon. These players have shown that despite weight challenges, they can still achieve remarkable success in their careers, both on and off the field.

Dive Deeper:

• Desmond Watson, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 464 pounds, has been signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the heaviest player in NFL history, overshadowing current heaviest players like Daniel Faalele at 380 pounds.

• Watson, an undrafted rookie from Florida, will participate in the Bucs' three-day rookie minicamp, alongside notable players like Emeka Egbuka, and the team hopes he will improve his agility.

• Aaron Gibson, drafted by Detroit in 1999, battled weight and injury issues throughout his career, which included stints with multiple NFL teams and the Arena Football League, and faced personal challenges like depression post-retirement.

• Nate Newton, famously nicknamed 'The Kitchen,' transformed his career with the Dallas Cowboys by improving his fitness and became a six-time Pro Bowl guard, contributing to three Super Bowl victories.

• Jared Lorenzen, despite his weight, made a name for himself in the NFL with the New York Giants and later in the Arena Football League, maintaining a strong fanbase due to his unique playing style.

• William 'The Refrigerator' Perry, a 1985 first-round draft pick by Chicago, became a fan favorite for his size and versatility, achieving fame with his memorable Super Bowl performance and later participating in celebrity events.

• These players exemplify that while weight can pose challenges, it can also contribute to a player's unique identity and success, both during their NFL careers and in their post-retirement endeavors.