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Alstott On Injured Reserve
Posted By Katherine Smith at Aug 09, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Updated Aug 09, 2007 at 03:31 PM

Video: Fans Wish Alstott Well

Forum: Your Thoughts On Alstott

Photos: Alstott’s Career

Alstott’s Career Stats | Career Highlights

Looking Back: Alstott’s Road To Recovery (2004)

TAMPA - Bruce Allen announced that Mike Alstott has suffered an injury “severe enough” that he will be placed on injured reserve.

Alstott, whose career took a major hit during the second game of 2003 when he suffered a neck injury against Carolina and was placed on IR, confirmed he has suffered another injury to his neck.

Alstott vowed he would be around the team to help them out this year, but broke down in tears when he talked about how much he will miss playing.

‘’As a professional football player, you just can’t grasp the situation of not being able to put the helmet on and the jersey on,’’ he said.

Alstott made the decision after talking to Bucs team doctors, the doctor who performed his neck surgery and his family.

The announcement comes after Alstott missed a third consecutive day of workouts Thursday as the team prepared for its exhibition opener Friday against New England.

Alstott would not speculate whether he would be able to return after this season.

‘’That will be determined later,’’ he said.

Alstott had two vertebrae fused together in 2003, but said his recent neck problems are related to a ‘’new spot’’ and not the area that was previously injured.

‘’One thing you don’t mess with is the neck,’’ he said.

Alstott will undergo further tests to determine whether this new neck injury is career ending. He isn’t sure at which point in training camp his neck was injured.

‘’I was ready to go play this year,’’ he said. ‘’I was ready to play football.’’

Earlier today, Alstott was said to be missing workouts because of general soreness, and was seen dining Wednesday night at a Celebration restaurant.

Alstott, 33, has seen his role greatly diminished in recent seasons, a departure from his early career when he emerged as a perennial Pro Bowl player. In last season’s finale against Seattle at Raymond James Stadium, it was widely speculated that Alstott had played his last game. But in the offseason, Alstott agreed to a one-year contract and another shot.

Alstott has the franchise record (71) for total touchdowns and rushed for 5,088 career yards – second only to James Wilder’s 5,957. Alstott also had 305 career receptions and finished as the franchise’s third all-time pass-catcher.

What’s your favorite Alstott moment?

There are several possibilities.

In a 1997 regular-season game at Minnesota, Alstott had a 1-yard touchdown run that still shows up on NFL highlight tapes. He collided at the goal line with Vikings linebacker Peter Bercich, was knocked 3 yards backward, hopped away from another tackler, then pivoted, whirled and churned his legs while backing yet another defender helplessly into the end zone.

Former Bucs coach John McKay would later call it the best run he had ever seen in football.

Later that season, in Tampa Bay’s first playoff game in 15 seasons, Alstott’s thunderous 31-yard touchdown run put away a 20-10 victory against Detroit.

In the 1999 playoffs, Alstott’s 2-yard touchdown run was Tampa Bay’s first score in what ultimately became a 14-13 win against the Washington Redskins. But it was no ordinary 2-yard run as the official play-by-play account stated.

M. Alstott left end for 2 and touchdown, runs right, finds no hole, tries middle, bounce outside left for TD.

Alstott’s last major hurrah occurred during the 2005 season. With 58 seconds to play, the Bucs had pulled within one point of the Redskins. Go for the tie? After a procedure penalty pushed the ball one yard closer, Coach Jon Gruden opted for the victory. Alstott was sent over the top and got the clinching 2-point conversion for Tampa Bay’s 36-35 victory.

It was reminiscent of Alstott’s happier days, such as the 1998 season, when he rushed for 846 yards, and 1999, when he galloped for a career-high 949. ESPN’s Chris Berman took to saying, “You’re in good hands with Alstott,” as the crew often added their own sound effects during Alstott’s highlight runs.

Alstott has never gained 1,000 yards – the hallmark for a running back’s greatest accomplishment – but he never was a one-man show, either. He shared the workload with Errict Rhett, Warrick Dunn, Michael Pittman and Cadillac Williams.

“I work hard,” said Alstott, who listed John Riggins as his football role model, earlier in his career. “I’ve had a lot of criticism. You can’t do this, you can’t do that – but I still do it. I love working hard, being out there and trying to make things happen. I’m not a rah-rah guy, just someone who tries to inspire through my play.”

Alstott had the last of his seven career 100-yard games in 2002 – Gruden’s first season in Tampa Bay – and scored the team’s first touchdown during Super Bowl XXXVII.

Tribune staff writers Katherine Smith, Roy Cummings and Joey Johnston contributed to this report.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by Patrick Dotson, Tampa,FL on 08/11 at 09:15 AM

i hope this isn’t the last stop on the a train,but if it is,thank you mike for everything you did on and off the field,helping bring the Lombardi trophy to Tampa,and the great memories you have placed in every buc fans mind,you will be missed on the field but your presence will always be felt on this team and in the crowd,i hope you have a successfully recovery and hope to see you again in a jersey and helmet.....B-U-C-C-A-N-E-E-R-S GO BUCS

Posted by Patrick Dotson, Tampa,FL on 08/11 at 09:04 AM

mike will be missed in more ways than one,he is a gentlemen,a great father, and a hell of a football player,his desire for the game of football is unparalell,when you play 12 years with one team that says wonders about your dedication and love for a team,theres a short list of players that have that mark,he played with heart every game,when mike ran through those tunnels every sunday or on monday night and was introduced, it was one of the greatest sounds ever,

Posted by Skylar Zalamut, Tampa on 08/10 at 08:47 AM

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense Kurt, especially because Mike went along with this grand scheme of yours. Don’t you have anything better to do with your time than pit against the same people that brought you a Superbowl victory. Four top draft picks lost and cap-hell is why this team has suffered. It’s called rebuilding: (see Tennessee, San Fran, Baltimore, etc.) Everyone goes through these phases; especially after a SB win. Grow up and let’s praise the best offensive weapon of all time for the Bucs: A-Train Mike Alstott!!! True Bucs fans know that your integrity would never let you allow something so hypocritically stupid and preverse. Good luck with your recovery and maybe we’ll see you don the Red/Pewter agains someday.

Posted by Kurt Thoreson, Terra Ceia, FL on 08/09 at 08:49 PM

Also, I scoffed when Allen said “he is a vital component to our team.” HA! Lets look at the stats Gruden has given Alstott. How many games did he go with one touch or none at all...quite-a-few. Gruden should be relieved that he won’t be hearing “Why not give it to Alstott.”

Posted by Kurt Thoreson, Terra Ceia, FL on 08/09 at 08:48 PM

Simeon Rice is cut for not being considered healthy by Bucs trainers (although he’s passed other’s physicals). Now think about this: Gruden/Allen decide to keep Alstott because if they were to cut him, they know it would be the end of them as we know it. If they would have comitted the action that dare not speak its name and cut Alstott, fans would be marching to One Buc Place torches and pitch forks and demanding Gruden’s and Allen’s head on a stick. Season ticket holders, merchandise purchasers, and I suspect fellow Buc players would not take kindly to that at all. In this event, they decide to allow Alstott to stay, for their sake.

Posted by Kenny C Craig, Middlebrook, Virginia on 08/09 at 08:20 PM

To Mike Alstott

You are one of the all-time great Buccaneers and NFL running backs!! You will be missed until you get back on the field. Please do whatever is necessary to get yourself completely well before attempting your come back. Your health is the priority. Thank you for all you have done thus far for the Bucs. I look forward to hearing the A-train whistle again in Raymond James Stadium.....TOUCHDOWN ALSTOTT!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Rob Berube, Naples,Fl on 08/09 at 07:49 PM

THE END OF AN ERA IS UPON US. ONE BY ONE ARE FAVORITE FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE SUBCOMING TO FATHER TIME. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT THESE GUYS ARE FOOTBALL ICONS, LEGENDS IN THIER OWN TIME. WE THE FANS HAVE BEEN SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD THEM PLAY TOGETHER AND GROW INTO A TEAM THAT WE LOVED...SAPPP, BROOKS,LUYNCH,DUNN,DILFER, JOHNSON(BRAD), CADDY, RICE AND BARBER AND OF COURSE THE A TRAIN....I CAN NEVER FORGET ANY OF THEM NOR WHAT THEY DID ON THE FEILD AND STOOD FOR OFF THE FEILD....THIS IS OUR TOWN,THIS IS OUR TEAM, THESE ARE OUR PLAYERS,& TODAY WE LOST ANOTHER GREAT BUC, BUT NOTHING CAN EVER ERASE THOSE WONDERFUL MEMORIES. A SINCERE THANKS TO ALL YOU MEN.IT WAS SOMETHING TO BEHOLD! WOW I REALLY GOT TO SEE THE BUCS WIN A SUPERBOWL

Posted by Michelle Herman, Tampa on 08/09 at 07:37 PM

It’s not gonna be the same without Mike. Just seeing him run out the tunnel was exhilarating. It was pure motivation for his fellow players and the fans. There will never be another A-Train. Long as we all remember him and keep him in our prayers his presence will be felt. Mike, I wish you well and hope you recover. Would sure love to see you run out that tunnel one more time and give em hell. Love ya Mike!

Posted by Glengarry Glen Ross, Bueneva on 08/09 at 06:13 PM

Congrats Gruden, not a single player left from the Superbowl....Maybe Gramatica can play fullback..

Posted by Bob Quinlisk, New Port Richey on 08/09 at 05:56 PM

I had the pleasure of watching Mike during his 4 years at Purdue (Alumni, Season Ticket Holder and huge Boiler Fan!)and during his career in the NFL! His crushing run style along with his hard work ethic make him one of the best on and off the field. During Mike’s college years, I remember seeing him strapped to a Jeep and pulling it through a parking lot on the Purdue Campus. I’m a huge Mike A. fan for as much as he’s done on the field as he’s done off the field! Mike… Enjoy your family, friends and most of all your life! We may not alway understand God’s plans, but there’s always a reason! God Bless and I wish nothing but the best for you and your family! “Your always in good hands with Alstott” Go Boilers/Bucs!!!

Posted by Jen, New Port Richey on 08/09 at 05:22 PM

Today is a very sad day in my family.We will miss you alot Mike. Remember keep your faith and pray.You are a graet role model for kids to day. You never got into the drugs,or anything illegal or harmful. You just showed us how to be good people. Your passion and drive for your family,fans and the game are an inspiration. one of my dreams in life is to meet you because of your inspiration. For those who are feel negativley Mike Please do not comment he needs our love and support right now not negativety.

Posted by Bob Runnels, Bayonet Point, Fl on 08/09 at 04:44 PM

Alstott and PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE are synonamous. Good luck to you!

Posted by Bo Langford, Tampa on 08/09 at 04:43 PM

This is a Sad Day. I don’t usually get choked up about something, but this one did it. Mike is an awesome football player and Person. Everytime I’ve went to training camp he has been there to sign autographs for my boys. He is a great man and always has time for his fans. I know this is probably the end of career, which is very sad, I was truly looking forward to one more season with the A-Train.... and as far as Shawn’s comments, we can see he is a minority here, and I guess we are all entitled to an opinion even if the person doesn’t have a clue about what they are talking about.

Posted by wendy cannon, mulberry on 08/09 at 04:32 PM

GOOD LUCK MIKE, WE’LL SURE MISS SEEING #40 RUN ON THE FIELD. BEEN A SEASON TICKET HOLDER SINCE DAY 1 WE’RE SLOWLY LOSEING THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE BUCS. FIRST JOHN LYNCH, WARREN SAPP WARRICK DUNN AND NOW MIKE. WE HOPE YOUR HEALTH GETS BETTER AND YOU CAN BE WITH THE BUCS IN ANOTHER ROLE. YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME WILL ONLY HELP THE YOUNGER GUYS.ENJOY YOUR FAMILY AND STAY IN TAMPA BAY, WE LOVE YOU AND RESPECT YOU VERY MUCH GOD SPEED. WENDY CANNON

Posted by Wes Berlin, Sarasota on 08/09 at 04:21 PM

You can’t have consistancey when your not givin the opportunity.SHAME on Gruden for wasting such awesome talent.Our team is turning into the Oakland Raiders we’ve lost our respect and loyalty.I miss Mike already!
p.s. we are still in need of a place kicker record or not he stinks!

Posted by Skylar Zalamut, Tampa on 08/09 at 04:17 PM

To be the all-time TD leader in franchise history, I believe, warrants full credit with no disrespect. The man is the epitome of the Buccaneer Superbowl team, along with a few others. And to everybody who relates him to Dungy and blames Gruden for his retirement - grow up. Wyche drafted him and his doctors put him on IR. It’s an unfortunate day which was inevitable, so we must move on and support the new FB who takes his position. Maybe he will be inspired by his predecessor and give us some new highlight reels for future glory.

Posted by Joe "Animal" Fulford, Lutz, Fla on 08/09 at 04:08 PM

Thanks Mike for all the great times you gave us.. You are truly a “Buc”, and always will be in our hearts.

As a longtime Buc fan, I can say that it was a pleasure to see all those great runs you gave us,

And though its one journey that has ended, it is now that another journey begins for you ..

Good luck and God Bless..

Posted by James Jones, Ft. Myers, Fl on 08/09 at 04:05 PM

The soul of this team is quickly going away. Sapp, Lynch, Quarles, Alstott. Who’s next...Brooks? Dayum!! Where is this team headed?

Posted by K TOLLIVER, TAMPA, FL on 08/09 at 03:53 PM

THIS IS A TREMENDOUS LOSS TO THE TAMPA BAY BUCANEERS, T TRULY HOPE WE CAN MAKE IT WITHOUT HIM. GOD BLESS YOU MIKE AND GET WEKLL SOON

Posted by Pattie Meade, Pinellas Park on 08/09 at 03:37 PM

Mike-Will miss you on the field.
I hate that you have to leave the game, but I am grateful you get to walk away.

I will say hi when I see you at hockey games. Live the life you deserve.

thanks for all the memories and hard work, you made the team better by being near the field.

Posted by Cecily Morrell, Pasco on 08/09 at 03:34 PM

What a great sportsman and team player I have never seen anyone create such a positive impact on team players and the fans. When Mike Alstott stepped on the field the whole chemistry of the game changed and every fans stopped looked and paid attention to what going on.Because we all knew when he was on the field things where looking up for Buc fans!He will miss him and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Posted by Deb Breining, Woodbridge, VA on 08/09 at 03:32 PM

Mike, Thank you for all the joy and pleasure of watching you over the years! I wish you all the best and hope you can come back. I was able to watch you play last Christmas Eve in Cleveland and I will cherish that game forever (you kicked butt!). From a Bucs (and Mike) fan forever, Deb

Posted by Mike Smith, Orlando on 08/09 at 03:16 PM

Thank you for the hard work and great memories, Mike. You’re a class act and the fans will never forget you. I hope you can give it one more go next year, but listen to the doctors first.

Posted by Maria, Ohio on 08/09 at 02:35 PM

I have been a Mike fan for as long as he has been a Buc. I have your dollar bill on my wall, plus more and I get the NFL ticket since we moved to Ohio, just to watch the A-Train crumble everyone. I am going to ignore all those comments because a true Bucs Fan would never talk about our players like that. Mike I wish you and your family the best. Tampa will always be your home, and everyone will always love you. Thanks for all the great memories and what you accomplished to our team and city. God bless You

Posted by bonnie skipper, fort meade, fl on 08/09 at 02:20 PM

WAY TO GO MIKE.. WE LOVE YA!!!!!!!!ALWAYS