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Forum: Your Thoughts On Alstott
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.
Posted by dylan todd, las vegas, nv on 08/09 at 11:56 AM
mike alstott was an exceptional player to watch. there has never been a back that played the position like he did, and there likely never will be. some of my favorite highlights over the years have been narrated with the familiar “rumblin, bumblin, stumplin” and “you’re in good hands with alstott.” more than that, he WAS a buccaneer. he embodied what the bucs were all about and i am so glad that he both started and finished his career in the bay. it will be a complete shame that because of the way in played the position, he likely won’t make the hall of fame. thanks for all you did for us mike, it was a privilege to watch you play.
Posted by Mary Willis, Tampa, FL on 08/09 at 11:56 AM
I hope that Mike is offered a job with the Buc’s organization in some sort of coaching capacity. I think he’s expressed this desire in the past. Good luck in whatever you decide to do Mike. You’ve given your all each time you played. I have enjoyed watching you over the years.
Posted by Rich Olson, New Jersey on 08/09 at 11:52 AM
Shawn you are a real jack dude. Your comments are racist and unwarrented. Wouldn’t it just be easier to say you just don’t like Alstott?
He was a good FB. His numbers show that. Don’t try to bring down a very good carrer of someone just because you don’t like him!
Posted by Chester Drayton, Tampa on 08/09 at 11:52 AM
Sitting in RayJay watching Mike was always a pleasure. I wish Mike much prosperity in his life after football. He has earned the respect of his fans. “All the Best, Mike!!”
Posted by Mike's # 1 Fan, Tampa, Fl on 08/09 at 11:50 AM
Mike will always be in the hearts of Bucc fan’s! We will miss him! Hats off to him for all he’s done in our community and for our Team!
Posted by Jon Wilson, Tampa on 08/09 at 11:50 AM
To Shawn Wilson, Tarpon Springs:
It’s a shame that you can’t see what Mike brought to the team and the game. True Mike was never the flashy, bit-time playmaker that some other players were, but he was the workhorse, the motivator, a true class act. I have NEVER heard anyone disparage Mike Alstott, he was one of the most respected guys in the game. I truly pity your ignorance.
Posted by Liz Kuhlmeyer, Plant City, Florida on 08/09 at 11:49 AM
Mike Alstott is one of the best football players to ever play the game.
He will be missed greatly in the Tampa Bay area. He has given so much on the football field and off. On the field his effort of at least 110 % was given in every play and off the field he contributed to Tampa in many ways. His football camp for kids was great!!! He loved the kids and you could tell. He would personally talk to every kid and have his picture taken with each one. It was the highlight of my kids’ summer. (Mom’s too)
It is very sad to see him go but his health is more important. I wish him nothing but the best.
Posted by DEE, tampa on 08/09 at 11:49 AM
From the way Shawn commetted, we can guess that he is lack of education. Why bring race into this topic? Why called the people redneck? What kind of neck do you have, Shawn? I hate to see Mike goes out like this. But I think it is for the best since Mr. EGO does not like Mike. Good luck Mike.
Mike is an A-TRAIN.
Shawn is an A-HOLE.
That is my take.
Posted by Eugene McColgan, Lutz on 08/09 at 11:46 AM
Shawn and Travis, calm down. Yes, Mike should have retired when he hurt his neck, but that was his decision. He has not been consistantly productive for three years. But, his contribution to the team cannot be minimized. When Warrick and Pittman could not get the ball in the end zone, Mike did. It’s about players and current production, not color. That is why Mike will join Simeon and Shelton as ex-bucs.
Posted by Dee Loach, Brandon, FL on 08/09 at 11:45 AM
Shawn Wilson - I would love to see you out on the field taking the pounding that Mike Alstott has taken over the years. Alstott is MORE THAN THE AVERAGE PLAYER - it’s not always about how well you play, but what you bring to the table as a person. Your rhetoric sounds more like the Sapps and Keyshawn Johnsons - I quite frankly have not seen Cadillac do much of anything impressive since his joining the team. It’s fine and good to get the ball into the red zone, but it does you no good if you cannot get it over the line - which Alstott has done very effectively. I for one, along with thousands of others here in Tampa and elsewhere, will definitely miss the A-train!!! I wish him and his family well.
Posted by Keith Puitz, Cinci on 08/09 at 11:44 AM
As a long time Buc fan, it is sad to see Alstott retire. At least he is doing so while he is still young and able to walk. As for being an Alstott homer, maybe I am too. As for the MORON crying about Shelton and Simeon. Quarles was simply breaking down. He has been frequently injured over the years and it has caught up to him. It seem to have been a mutual decision to let him go. As for Rice, his time has come. He is not worth the money the Bucs were paying him. He certainly does not live up to the hype. OK, go ahead start the bashing. Call me racist b/c I said something about Quarles and Rice. Get a grip folks. These discussions have nothing to do with race. The race card is getting very very old.
Posted by Chuck Doerner, Clearwater, FL on 08/09 at 11:42 AM
We will all miss Mike,s bone crushing blows against our opponents.
I am glad to see him retire on his own terms rather than be forced out or traded. We all wish him well.
Posted by Anthony Taylor, Tampa on 08/09 at 11:38 AM
Alsott could never block and was ineffective running. Should have retired after he missed several key blocks in the 2005 playoff loss to the Redskins. Thanks for all you did, Mike, but the time is right.
Posted by LT Hector Zayas, USN, Panama City, FL on 08/09 at 11:38 AM
Congrats on your retirement!!! Well deserved. A true legend in Buccaneer history. The epitome of a professional NFL player. An example for all to follow. You will be missed by all. Take care, Mike. VR, Z-Man
Posted by Chari Lovely, saint petersburg, fl on 08/09 at 11:35 AM
IF THIS WHAT MIKE REALLY WANTS GREAT! WE WANT HIM TO KNOW HOW LOVED HE IS IN THIS COMMUNITY. HOWEVER, MOST OF US FEEL THAT GRUDEN IS THE REASON HE WILL BE LEAVING, HAVE NO DOUBT. SINCE GRUDEN IS SUCH A GREAT JUDGE OF PEOPLE (JOHN LYNCH, SIMEON RICE, SHELTON QUARLES TO MENTION A FEW), HE MUST BE RIGHT ABOUT MIKE - NOT !!!!!!
Posted by Jeffrey Poresky, St Petersburg on 08/09 at 11:35 AM
Why should we mourn? Great guy, wonderful career, has business and family in Tampa Bay community which will allow Mike to be an asset to us in his well deserved retirement from a very punishing profession. Enjot A-train!
Posted by Travis, on 08/09 at 11:29 AM
Shawn,
YOur an idiot. racist idiot at that. Alstott is a hybrid back. You will not see many more if NOT ANYMORE players like him that are that big and strong and that agile. is it becuase he’s a white running back that you don’t like him??? hmmmmm possibly. none the less dont come on here calling people rednecks for liking and resepcting a back who is white. you “thugs” just want some vicious animal who is not part of the human race back there like pacman or vick.
Posted by Rock Smith, Columbus, Oh. on 08/09 at 11:25 AM
It is a sad day in Tampa if it is true that Alstott will truly retire. He was a great player for us, always giving 110%. He will be missed by all the fans of the Buccaneers!!!
Posted by Danna Walsh, Clearwater, FL on 08/09 at 11:12 AM
Mike Alstott is the beating heart of the Bucanneers fans and RayJay Stadium. If this is true, it is a very sad day for Bucs fans everywhere. Mike has to do what he must do for his health; risking serious injuries is just not an option. But what Mike brought to the Buccaneers and to football will be impossible to replace. He is loved in Tampa Bay and he will be sorely missed on game day. A sad, sad day indeed.
Posted by Gene Stone, Pinellas Park on 08/09 at 11:12 AM
Few players have taken more poundings than MIke over the past 11 years. Whatever his decision is today, I, for one, will happily support him. As big as his heart is, he will miss the game very much, but hopefully, his body will thank him. Good luck, Mike, and thanks for all the excitement you have given us.
Posted by Shawn Wilson, Tarpon Springs on 08/09 at 11:06 AM
This is great news as Mike should have retired several years ago. He is and always has been an average fullback that is somehow glorified into something he has never been. It is about time!!! Now this gives the real playmakers of this team like Cadillac Williams someone in front of him that can actually block. Before all you redneck homers start to whine and cry just know that Mike was again average at best and if it had not been for Warrick Dunn, Michael Pittman and Cadillac Williams driving the team into the redzone he never would have had all those TD’s. I can’t wait for the season to start - just too bad we have to cut Shelton and Simeon.
Posted by Joel Rodriguez, Riverivew, FL on 08/09 at 11:04 AM
If indeed Alstott retires it will be a sad day. Alstott is one of the last links to the “old Buc’s” of creamsicle and white. He is also one of those cornerstone players who with the help of Tony Dungy lifted this team from the pits of mediocrity. When Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber retire that chapter of Buccaneer history will close forever.
The A-train will be missed on the field but he will never be forgotten. In the annals of Buccaneer history he is right up there with Lee Roy Selmon.
Take care #40
Posted by CHRIS COOK, LAKELAND on 08/09 at 10:57 AM
Mike has always been a class act with the bucs and always busted his butt.Gruden from day 1 never liked him and used him properly.Hope Mike catches lots of fish in retirement!
Posted by Dana Hansen, New Tampa on 08/09 at 10:55 AM
It’s the end of an era and I loved watching Mike’s throwback style to days when football was pure. He gave 110% every play, every Sunday and it was a pleasure to be a fan of someone with such a big heart. It’s disappointing that he was so greatly underutilized under coach Gruden because #40 is a contributor.
We loved watching this big, bruising back run over linebackers and elude potential tacklers with his nimble feet.
Bye Mike - we’ll miss you. Thanks for all the fun!
Dana Hansen
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Posted by Diego McFly, Tampa on 08/09 at 12:00 PM
Edward St John said: “... fulfill his destiny as one of the greatest players of all time ...”.
<br>
Are you serious? You must be kidding. Alstott is/was a very good football player. However, he was nowhere NEAR one of the greatest. Average at best. Don’t get me wrong, he was a special guy and invaluable to the team and community ... I’m just keeping it real.