Tush Push Terminator Desmond Watson Shines at Buccaneers Rookie Minicamp

Meet Desmond Watson, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ undrafted rookie defensive lineman who’s shaking up rookie minicamp with his massive 6-foot-6, 437-pound frame. Nicknamed the tush push terminator, Watson’s sheer size and strength make him a prime candidate to counter the Philadelphia Eagles’ infamous short-yardage play. His ability to clog the line of scrimmage is already turning heads, and he’s not just resting on his bulk.

Watson, who tipped the scales at 464 pounds during his Florida Gators days, is shedding weight to secure a spot on the Bucs’ roster. He’s down to 437 pounds and counting, cutting out roadside snacks—think gas station chips and candy—in favor of almonds and peanuts. “Pay at the pump, don’t go inside,” he quipped, revealing a disciplined mindset to match his physical presence.

His strength is no joke either. At Florida’s pro day, Watson benched 225 pounds 36 times, a feat that would’ve shattered the NFL Combine record. While he may not move like his role model, Bucs’ nose tackle Vita Vea, Watson’s raw power could make him a game-changer. Pairing him with Vea’s 347-pound athleticism could give Tampa Bay a defensive interior that’s downright immovable.

Hailing from Plant City, just east of Tampa, Watson’s got local pride fueling his drive. With NFL owners eyeing a potential ban on the tush push, Watson’s timing couldn’t be better. If he makes the roster, he might just be the key to stopping that play—and a whole lot more.