Alstott on IR with new neck injury

A tearful Mike Alstott said Thursday he has suffered another neck injury that will force him to go on injured reserve, ending his season.

But Alstott stopped short of saying that the injury could end his 12-year career with the Bucs.

Alstott, 33, had a compressed disc removed and replaced with the vertebrae from a cadaver in 2003. A titanium plate was used to fuse it together.

Alstott said a battery of tests revealed there is stress to his neck above the previously injured area. Pittsburgh nuerosurgeon Dr. Joe Maroon, who performed Alstott's first surgery, advised him not to play. 

"I was ready to play football this year,'' Alstott said fighting tears. "I was ready to play football. and my mind was set on playing this game and helping this team and doing what I had to do. It's not like I went out there and the body wasn't working for me. Camp was going great, the team was doing great. I was playing well.

"But some things in life don't allow you do things sometimes.''

Alstott said his body suffered the usual soreness after 10 days of training camp. But he experienced pain in his neck that wouldn't subside. He missed three days of practice before the team called a 2 p.m. news conference Thursday.

"There wasn't just one particular situation,'' Alstott said. "Just soreness through the whole body and fighting through it. But the rest of the body wasn't as sore as the neck was ... we got further tests and here it is right now.''

After consulting with team trainers, doctors, his family, general manager Bruce Allen and coach Jon Gruden, Alstott agreed the best course of action was for him to be placed on injured reserve. Alstott said further surgery was not an option.

"Yesterday was the final straw, after I spoke with Dr. Maroon, my surgeon from Pittsburgh after we came to a conclusion of the whole situation,'' Alstott said. 

However, the injury will likely end the career of the six-time Pro Bowl player.

In an emotional news conference that lasted about 25 minutes, Alstott steadfastly refused to discuss his future. He signed a one-year contract worth $1.5-million, meaning he will be a free agent at the end of the '07 season.

"I'm on I.R. for the rest of the year,'' Alstott said. "As far as what the future holds ... I know there will be questions and stuff, career-ending, what it may be. But please, understand there will be a further date, an announcement in those regards.

"The facts are the facts. I can't put on a helmet or a jersey this year. When you tell someone, or make the decision as a whole, it's just hard to grasp right now.''

Alstott said he plans to remain around the Bucs this season, offering his support to teammates.

"I guess one thing, you don't mess with the neck, huh?'' Alstott said. "There's always situations that can be worsened by playing.

"I can't. That's not a word in a professional athlete's vocabulary. When you have to make a decision and say something to that effect, it's emotional.''

Alstott has contemplated retirement at the end of each of the past two seasons before signing a series of one-year deals. But he insisted Thursday he's not prepared to consider whether the latest injury could end his career.

"It's maybe something that's a block in my mind right now and I don't want to think about that,'' Alsttot said. ""I've just got to cope with the situation at hand and focus on what we as a team have to get done. I'm being truthful here.

'I've been here for 12 years now. I'm telling you I wanted to play football this year. I was capable enough to play football and I was going to do everything in my power to help this team. And I can't. But I'm going to be here.''

(Times photo - Bill Serne. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Larry]

Good Luck and get well Mike.I think you made a wise decision. I would rather you be on the sidelines or helping younger players than in a wheel Chair. Take care and thanks for being a Buc.

[Jesse]

Bucs need to cut this guy, he can't play and sports are a business. What is he 57 years old. His longest run from scrimmage is like 14 inches.

Jesse, get your head out of you know where! Alstott is probably the most popular Bucs player ever. He's had a great career but it may be time to hang it up.

[Jorge]

Good luck Mike, thanks for the memories, you are one of the best buccaneers ever.

[BE]

Sad day to be a Bucs fan as this is probably the end of the A-Train's awesome career, even if he's cleared to play next season.
I've had the honor to meet him once, and he was the most polite and friendly individual I've ever met. At training camp, he always took the time to make sure every fan got an autograph, even after two-days in the Florida heat and humidity.
He is one of the most recognizable faces in franchise history, and he'll be missed.
It's sad that the only time I'll be able to hear Gene's favorite saying is from highlight reels and old game footage.

We will miss you, Mike. The entire bay area wishes you nothing but the best in whatever the future may hold for you.

ALSTOTT UP THE GUT!

[me]

Good luck and take care of yourself. health is more important then the game:)

Enjoy your family and your kids.

[Lucy]

Mike was an assistant coach on my son's baseball team and he is genuinely a great guy. Anyone that talks smack about him obviously hasn't met him. He is an incredibly dedicated and loyal man and an asset to his teammates!
I feel terrible that he's having to sit out and wish him a speedy recovery!!
WE LOVE YOU MIKE!!!!!

[Spencer]

WE KNOW, YOU KNOW, WHERE WERE COMING. BUT WERE COMING ANYWAY

thanks for the memories Mike, you'll allways be a Buc

[Will]

God Bless You Mike! Hope to see you back!

[Honored Fan]

I met Mike in the mall once. He is a great guy. He took the time to say hi to my son and on a funny note, he told us about some sales in the mall.

He is a class act and I hope Cadillac will be as nice when I meet him in the food court.

[Paul]

Great. I get it. now stop running this crap on the front page.

[Tonya]

Hopefully Mike will go into broadcasting. He is really HOT!

[Paul]

I want more stories about the quality of the H2O for the players and if they need their groan streetched.

[heratio]

Ok, 10 articles later, a has been fullback has retired. He gained 13 yards in his career. OK>

[Jen]

Thanks Mike for all of your hard work, you are a classy man and you will always be my favorite Buc.

[Jennifer]

At least when you bought a Mike Alstott jersey you knew it wouldn't be obsolete by the following year. Don't bother purchasing Bucs jesrsey's with Gruden around.

[Grudden]

I saw Alstott carry the ball once on first down and he ran for what seemed like 5 minutes and knocked 10 guys down and when the dust cleared it was 2nd and 9 and half yards. If the quarterback would have sneaked the ball instead of giving it to Alstott the Bucs would have an additional 1000 yards of offense over the last 5 years. Happy retirement.

[FB]

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!!! "Mushy..Mushy,hugs kisses... we "worship" you!

Whatever!!

Bye...

[kyle]

Jesse, you are what female porn stars love to sit on.

[DR]

Great career Mike! We'll miss you. On the bright side of things, at least we won't watch Grudumb miss use you like the retarded coach that he is usually does! Hopefully Alstott will hold a job with the Bucs

[Liz]

Go Patriots . . . Bucs who?

[Andrew S]

Alstott has always been my fav player on this team. I think that we need more player with heart like this guy. Out of all the years you've seen this guy play can you remember just one time he ever gave up!

[FYI]

Just in on the AP wire. Entire Bucs player who has a dog has to report to the state attorney in the morning for a deposition.

any connection to the overpaid lineman who just leached onto the team

[FYI]

Sorry everyone - before you jump on me meant everyone on the team with a dog. And now its hampster also. Sorry Simms they did not forget about you.

[dick]

its time mike god forbid a further injury enjoy ur life we ve enjoyed seeing you carry the ball and doing distruction to the defensive player the has some aches an paines when he contacted you

[Darren]

I wish Mike and his family nothing but the best and I pray for a healthy recovery. It pains me to say this, but after Mike gets healthy once again - please don't play football anymore. Smash players with a clipboard as a coach, or give us bits of knowledge on TV, but don't risk your health. Every Buccaneer fan, and your family, loves you too much for that.

[George Leslie Hicks]

Mr Mike Alstott is Class Act ever since I saw him at Tampa Stadium against Green Bay He was the A Train. I hope that This football organization would make a position available for him. He should be in the Hall Frame when He is Called next to Lee Roy Selmon, Derrick Brooks , John Lynch , Warren Sapp and Rhonde Barber when their time comes. Again No One Can Replace Mike Alstott.

[H-Man]

Farewell to one of the greatest class acts in sports. And people dissing Mike and his career, go and punch yourselves in the mouth. Nobody deserves more respect than Alstott. With all the stuff Gruden pulled on him, he never once threatened with the words free agency. One of the very last One Team guys.

[Jason]

I am deeply sadden by what seems to be the end of Mike Alstott's career. Mike holds the Bucs record for TD's at 71, and he is a first ballot Hall of Famer. As a life long Buc fan I consider it an honor to have had him spend his entirer career with us here in Tampa Bay. I am sorry it had to end, but I'm glad Mike still has his health and he can enjoy his retirement. #40 will always hold a place in the hearts of the Buccaneer faithful.
Good luck Mike, you will be missed.

[kyle]

A quality act requires no explanation for its failure. Dedication and practice with undying effort never needs an excuse for failing, nor has it. Shame on you who don't see the quality of the man over the challenges that he faces. Those who qualify his success, are equal in your defeats. -me,2007

[Tony]

One of the few players in the NFL that has stayed with the same team his whole career. I don't see Alstott running his mouth like some other "premier" backs. I don't see Alstott getting arrested every week like other "premier" backs. I see a class guy who did the job that was asked of him. He didn't complain, at least publicly. He was, and is, very professional. He's a public servant in his off time. Jeez people, give this guy a little more respect than what is being given to him. He is the type of player that can be talked about in the same words as Lee Roy Selmon. Class all the way. Don't risk paralysis. Leave the game the way you came in...on your feet.

[LJ]

Mike, you're class and a Hall of Famer in my eyes. I hope you will get into coaching and teaching "team". We wish you only the best...and you have the best of character.

[Lou]

Right up there with Selmon, Rickey Bell, James Wilder..........I remember the excitement I experienced when you came in as a rookie, you never let me or any of the fans down, you're an example of what a professional should be. Get into coaching, hopefully with the Bucs. We don't want further injury to you either. Coach, and show rookies how to live, how to play the game.

[Steph]

Mike you have had a PHENOMINAL carreer with the BUCS. I have enjoyed watching you throughout the years. I am honored to say that you are a family friend and a great guy who is always there for those in need. I would rather see you running around with the kids then in a hospital bed not able to move. Stay healthy and enjoy your family and friends. You will always be a BUCCANEER in my eyes no matter what happens!! We love you and the family!!

[FRANK BARCELONA]

WHAT A GREAT CAREER. YOUR A REAL PROFESSIONAL AND AN INSPIRATION FOR THE YOUNG GUYS COMING UP . I LIVE IN CLEARWATER NOW , BUT I'M ALSO BORN AND RAISED IN JOLIET , YOU MADE US PROUD . THANKS, WE WILL BE WATCHING FOR YOUR FUTURE ENDEVOURS

[G]

It was fun to watch Alstott knock heads around but c'mon people, he is NOT a Hall of Famer. There is no way he is getting in. He wasn't even close to being a good blocker as a fullback. Dunn's running game improved after he left TB, parttially b/c he was used wrong here, but he didn't get quality blocking on top of that. He will be a Tampa Bay great, but remember Tampa has had a good team for what, 7 out of 30 years, if that.