TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Bid Mike Alstott Farewell
Cliff McBride / Tampa Tribune
Mike Alstott manages a smile during a news conference where he announced his retirement.
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Published: January 24, 2008
Special Report: Mike Alstott Retires
After a 12-year career, which also began with the arrival of Tony Dungy and included a Super Bowl championship, Bucs running back Mike Alstott is retiring. Share your favorite memories of the A-Train's run with the team, and wish him well in the next stage of his life.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( kerker8 ) on January 24, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Retire number 40 , no doubt about it.
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Posted by ( FloridianRobert ) on January 24, 2008 at 10:15 a.m.
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Posted by ( moviebuff716 ) on January 24, 2008 at 10:17 a.m.
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Posted by ( 6radar87 ) on January 24, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thanks for just being a decent person and role model that all kids can look up to and best of everything in the future.
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Posted by ( tfb ) on January 24, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree. Retire # 40
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Posted by ( jgates ) on January 24, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Your a hero Mike. Good luck with the rest of your life. We will miss you.
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Posted by ( Tinker2k1 ) on January 24, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
RETIRE # 40!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by ( bucfan20 ) on January 24, 2008 at 10:37 a.m.
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Posted by ( fblfan ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thanks a million Mike for all the memories. If they don't retire your number, I'll personally start the revolt! Good luck and God's speed.
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Posted by ( starrgyrl_15 ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
No doubt about it you are one of the greats Mike. You made watching Tampa Bay football interesting. You are a true Buccaneer and i wish you luck in whatever you choose to do next. I love you!!!! and i Agree they should retire #40 I could not stand to see any other player wear that number, it belongs to you and only you!
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Posted by ( FourtyFan ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
First of all : Retire #40!!!!!!
I love you Mike Alstott!! Always have! Always will! You will always be my favorite number/player!!
I look for you on the sidelines at every game! Hope to continue to see you! You're an inspiration to everyone! Good Luck and God Bless You!!
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Posted by ( boltcc ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:35 a.m.
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Posted by ( efireman1290 ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:39 a.m.
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Posted by ( BCat ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Best wishes as you start what could be the greatest chapter in your life. Thanks for the memories and for setting a great example for Tampa Bay in so many ways. We will still miss you on Sundays and for a long time, we'll be wishing you were on the field. You will always have a place in our hearts.
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Posted by ( BigMu ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree, retire #40. You don't get many chances in a lifetime to witness a phenom like Mike. Recognize him Tampa Bay & be proud to call him your own!!!!
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Posted by ( J_dana ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Nobody makes my kids cheer more than #40. You were an inspiration and joy for my family to watch over the years. Thank you for your commitment.
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Posted by ( rdalegarcia ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:54 a.m.
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Posted by ( lbemis ) on January 24, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Of course! Retire the number 40!
Thanks to Mike Alstott for a wonderful legacy! Please stay as part of the organization.
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Posted by ( 4of26 ) on January 24, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The A-Train is part of the reason my young daughter is now a die-hard Bucs fan!! He will always be a Buccaneer - I am glad to read that he may/will remain with the Bucs' front office in some capacity. We always looked for him on the sidelines this past season. Whenever we hear a train horn and "Crazy Train," we will always think of the A-Train. AND YES, #40 should be retired!!! GO BUCS!!!!
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Posted by ( cfsuthard ) on January 24, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Now would be a good time to re-open Mike Alstott's A-Train Pizza in St. Pete. That was the best pizza ever! You will be missed on the field. I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do next (pizza or no pizza)!
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Posted by ( GoingDeep ) on January 24, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Retire # 40. He is one of a handful of players responsible for the Buccaneer turnaround. This turnaround has made the Glazer family roughly 800 million dollars since the team is worth a billion and they paid less than 200 million in 1995. This man was a part of that a BIG PART OF THAT. Mike Alstott gave me and my family goosebumps. I will never forget the day he backed into the end zone with 3 Vikings on his back, the Cleveland game in 2002, the great run against the skins on the goal line in 2000, and the diving touchdown against the skins in 2005. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES MIKE!
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Posted by ( thebearrulz ) on January 24, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
in this day of premidonna athletes thinking of themselves. Mike Alstott was the definition of team player. Can't thank you enough for the great memories.Roll on TRAIN.
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Posted by ( unappreciated ) on January 24, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Might as well add my 2 cents worth...retire #40!
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Posted by ( 654321 ) on January 24, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Mike you brought HEART and SOUL to the Buccaneer team and fans. Simply irreplaceable. I can feel your heartbreak over being forced to stop doing what you love doing. You made the right choice though. I hope you continue to be a part of our team. I wish you and your family well in what ever future endeavor you and your family decide to embark on. Thanks for the memories and for being not only an amazing player, but an amazing role model as well. God speed!!
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Posted by ( blogger ) on January 24, 2008 at 1:09 p.m.
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Posted by ( JOMERICH ) on January 24, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
We love you man! I was at the first Dungy error playoff game in the freezing cold at the "old sombero." I remember that you had that big break away TD. I also remember at the NFL All Star golf event at Macdill AFB in 2001, you were the only player to sign autographs for all in line. Best of luck.
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Posted by ( BrooksMorgan ) on January 24, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.
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Posted by ( nottthebeerguy ) on January 24, 2008 at 2:20 p.m.
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Posted by ( kylef ) on January 24, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Absolutly you retire #40. thank you so much for all the memories, Mike. I will always remember those goal line runs, man. Plowing throw multiple defenders"rumbling" to 6 in the truest sense of the word. Hope you end up working again for the bucs in whatever capacity
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Posted by ( Stames_70 ) on January 24, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
As Chris Berman says..."Rumblin, Bumblin, Stumblin". I will miss those goal line plows. Good Luck in whatever you decide to do. The only Bucs jersey I have ever had is #40.
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Posted by ( tomsplace ) on January 24, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
When I lay back in the old rocker and remember people that have come into my life that have made a difference; you, Mike Alstott, will be in the top five.
Thankyou for all those memories. I'm going to miss yelling at the TV: "Give it to Mike, Give it to the A-Train."
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Posted by ( bucsfan40 ) on January 24, 2008 at 4:08 p.m.
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Posted by ( jem63 ) on January 24, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Dear Mike,
You will be sorely missed. You are the "Brad Pitt" of football. You've been called the A-train, the A-plane, etc. I called you the Bloodhound because whenever the ball was close to the goal, you could usually sniff out a touchdown. The Bucs won't be the same without you. You are AWESOME! Love, A BIG FAN
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Posted by ( chiefs_55 ) on January 24, 2008 at 4:53 p.m.
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Posted by ( captmomo ) on January 24, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.
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Posted by ( pinochon ) on January 24, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mike # 40 is # 1 bucs... me and my kids Hero
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Posted by ( marylou ) on January 24, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
#40 will be so missed on the field. A true champion and legend in his own time. You have given so much to the Bucks and your community. Your family must be so proud of your accomplishments. Be happy and stay healthy. So proud to be a loyal fan.
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Posted by ( wtflady ) on January 24, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Mike.
I have so enjoyed watching you play. I knew when you got the ball, something good was going to happen. You brought excitment into this 62 year old woman life.
Thank you.
Fran
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Posted by ( demum ) on January 24, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Greatness, dedication and loyalty are rare qualities in Tampa. Retire #40. Never forget.
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Posted by ( brobeth1 ) on January 24, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
RETIRE # 40!! We will miss you Mike. We always looked forward to seeing you play. God Bless You and your Family as you enter the next phase of your life.
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Posted by ( aburgess01 ) on January 24, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Rocky for real. Build the statue now in front of One Buc Place.
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Posted by ( denmar ) on January 24, 2008 at 6:55 p.m.
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Posted by ( myakkabuc ) on January 24, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I worked in the "Big Sombrero" as a teen before the 'Bucs at the Rowdies and UT football games and have been a lifetime fan. Mike's jersey is the only one I have and will it keep ready for games years to come! Miss ya Mike, but you're not gone.....ps: I have new spare on as a backup!
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Posted by ( bucsfan342 ) on January 24, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
They should paint one of the trolleys red put a number 40 on it and call it the A train!!!
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Posted by ( Kel ) on January 24, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Mr. Alstott, your's is the only jersey I've specifically bought for my kids. When the second to youngest (I've got 4) tries to get out of something, be it his crib or a baby gate, he'll back up, lower his head and run right into it.
We've nicknamed him Lil Alstott.
Best wishes to you and your's wherever life leads you next.
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Posted by ( supergranny ) on January 24, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thanks for all the great plays with the Bucs! I've been a Bucs fan since way back in '76 but the only Bucs poster and jersey we have in our house is Mike Alsott! God bless you and your family!
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Posted by ( Foulball ) on January 24, 2008 at 11:18 p.m.
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Posted by ( Yankee ) on January 25, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree, they should name a street A Train street.
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Posted by ( Marivy2007 ) on January 25, 2008 at 9:15 a.m.
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Posted by ( CConrad ) on January 25, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Dear Mike, I'm so sad to see you go, but totally understand, you have to take care of your body. Thank you for giving your all to this team and all your fans. You truly are one of a kind. Your wife and family are very lucky to have you. What more is there to say? Whatever you decide to pursue will, of course, be successful, because you obtain qualities that few men have. Thank you for TRULY being a role model for our children. You will SO be missed!
God bless you and your family.
-A true fan
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Posted by ( kelsey ) on January 25, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
i just wanted to say that you were an amazing player.
you meant so much to the team and your fans.
the a-train will be alive forever.
no one is stoppin that.
wishing you the best.
-kelsey
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Posted by ( LizzyT ) on January 25, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Mike i can't even begin to tell you how much you meant to my family. Watching you play was a real thrill. I'll miss you like everyone else will. I want only the best for you and your family. I only hope that one day i get the real honor of meeting you. Take care.
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Posted by ( gotBUCS80 ) on January 25, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
THANK YOU! Thank you for being part of our family, the memories, and that smile that made you believe in hope. I've been a fan since '80 and was ready for a person like yourself to bring a little "sunshine" to Tampa. Thanks for showing us good players don't have to be full of themselves or more important than their team. Thanks for everthing. Good luck, better health, and aarrrrrrrrhhhh matey!!!! M2
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Posted by ( rocky ) on January 26, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Mike, you are a role model for the community, team, fans , kids and the Nfl. You gave your heart, determination and soul to the Buccaneer organization and the whole Tampa Bay area, with your play on the field and your involvement in the Tampa Bay community. I feel very proud to say that I got the oppurtunity to see you in action on the field and also that because of you, we can all be honored to be Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fans!. Good Luck to you in the future and will miss #40 on the field, I'm in agreement with retiring your jersey number, God Bless you and your family in all that you do. Thanks for all the memories. Rocky Campbell and Family
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Posted by ( kccraig ) on January 28, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Mike
You are the reason that I became a Buc season ticket holder (Gate A, Section 150, Row T Seat 8) and fly from Middlebrook, Virginia to Tampa, Florida for every home game. You are the epitome of courage, determination and sportsmanship. When my grandson was one week old, he had his #40 Alstott jersey (purchased at RayJ) which is now framed and hanging on his bedroom wall to remind him to always put forth his best effort in order that he might become like his hero. I vote to retire #40 to reward the man who wore it and inspire others to be like Mike. May you enjoy only the best of every thing in your endeavors after foorball.
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Posted by ( WakeBoarder ) on June 12, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
How many times have you retired?? I think this is like # 3. Do it for keeps this time, please. I do not want to see you cry again.
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