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Alstott Calling It Quits?
Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE
Buccaneer Mike Alstott watches on the sidelines in the final minutes of the Tampa Bay playing the Indianapolis Colts in October.
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Published: January 9, 2008
Updated: 01/09/2008 12:31 pm
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TAMPA – After 12 seasons and two neck injuries, the Bucs beloved A-Train may finally be ready to steer himself into the station for good.
Though he said a final decision has yet to be made on the matter, Bucs fullback Mike Alstott strongly suggested today he will retire as a player before the 2008 season comes around.
''You can read between the lines,'' Alstott said during an interview with hosts Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles on WDAE 620-AM. ''I've had some injuries; I have a young family; I can't be selfish in that regard.
''I can't go have more surgeries; it wouldn't be worth it. I was disappointed I couldn't be on the field this year, but I'm having fun now. Right now my concentration is on [my foundation].''
A decision to retire at this time would come as no surprise. Alstott virtually called it quits last summer after a second neck injury forced him to spend the 2007 season on the injured reserve list.
Though he never mentioned the word retire, Alstott hinted then and again today that his second neck injury in five years would force him to give up playing the game he loves.
''One thing is, you don't mess with the neck,'' Alstott said last September. ''There are always situations where it can be worsened by playing. It is a severe injury, and it's a situation you don't mess with.''
Alstott could not be reached for further comment by The Tribune today. His wife Nicole, meanwhile, echoed comments her husband made last summer and today when speaking on the matter.
''It's a hard pill to swallow, you know; the season just ended,'' she said. ''But I promise you when he's ready to discuss it and make his announcement you guys will be the first to know.''
Alstott said he has yet to discuss his future with the Bucs and would not rule out taking on a role similar to that assumed by recently retired linebacker Shelton Quarles, who joined the Bucs scouting staff.
''I really don't know what's going to happen even with football right now,'' Alstott said.
Whenever he does call it a career, Alstott will close out a chapter in Bucs lore unlike any other. During his 12 seasons with the team his rugged running style made him arguably the franchise's most popular player.
Even late in his career the amount of playing time he received was always a topic for debate among Bucs fans who never tired of seeing him bounce off of - and rumble through - defenders.
More than just a traditional fullback, Alstott was a power runner with deft pass-catching skills who made it onto the roster of six consecutive Pro Bowl squads, including three as a starter.
Along with tailback Warrick Dunn, he was a major part of the turnaround the Bucs made in the late '90s when they finally shed their image as bumbling losers and gained league-wide respect.
''There was a time when it wasn't popular to be a Buccaneer, and Mike made it cool to be a Buccaneer,'' former Bucs coach Tony Dungy said of Alstott last summer.
Alstott's best season was probably 1999, when he helped the Bucs reach the NFC title game by gaining 1,188 total yards, including 949 rushing yards, and scoring nine touchdowns.
Even if he never plays another game, he will retire as the Bucs' all-time leader in touchdowns (71) and rushing touchdowns (56) and as its second-best ground gainer (5,088 yards).
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