Alstott's career could be over

The A-Train may have made his last run.

Bucs fullback Mike Alstott, arguably the most popular player in franchise history, was placed on injured reserve today, ending his season and most likely his career.

A news conference with Alstott and general manager Bruce Allen was held at the team's facility at 2 p.m.

Alstott, 33, has been absent for the past three days from training camp in Lake Buena Vista. Coaches have said he had a 'sore body' and needed some rest. He was not expected to play in Friday's preseason opener against the New England Patriots.

Alstott has complained recently of a sore neck. He had surgery to replace a vertebrae in his neck in 2003.

The Bucs signed Jets free agent fullback B.J. Askew and apparently intend to make him the starter.

The 6-foot-1, 248-pound Alstott became known for his bruising style of running shortly after he was drafted in the second round by the Bucs in 1996. He helped transform the Bucs from the league's laughingstock to a perennial Super Bowl contender.

He was named to six straight Pro Bowls, a streak that ended following the 2002 season, his first under  Gruden.

Alstott has seen his role reduced almost every season since the Bucs won Super Bowl XXXVII in Jan. 2003. He has never had more than 67 carries in a season since that world championship.

But Alstott, who was entering his 12th NFL season, opted to sign a 1-year, $1.5-million contract after contemplating retirement in the off-season.

Just a few weeks ago, Alstott said he still had a burning desire to play.

"When you are on a one year at a time contract, you never know what's going to happen,'' Alstott said after checking into the Celebration Hotel July 26.

"But after sitting back for a couple weeks, I knew that fire was still burning inside me, that I wanted to play football and I can play football.''

But Alstott was becoming more of a bystander as the team began to increase its use of Askew as the fullback during team drills.

Whether it was injury or inactivity, something changed Alstott's perspective.

"He worked as hard as he ever had this off-season,'' said former Bucs tight end Dave Moore.

Moore, who works as the color commentator for the Bucs radio network, said Alstott complained of a stiff neck recently.

"Every time he got up or turned around, he said his neck felt stiff,'' Moore said. "He didn't say too much about retiring or being hurt.''

According to Moore, Alstott's career was complete but he didn't want to go out after a 4-12 season.

"Just as a player, he's done it all,'' Moore said. ""He's gone to Pro Bowls, won a Super Bowl and got to start and finish his career in one city. For a guy to be a fullback and do what he's done, what else is there to prove?

"He came in Tony Dungy's first year and when you meet a guy at the Winghouse to get something to eat, every one of those guys see a piece of themselves. He's not going to break land speed records, not overly tall, but was always able to get the crowd pumped up and into the game. He was a good player to come in at a very important time in this franchise's history. We were able to turn it into a winner and he was a big reason for that.''

If he chooses to retire, Alstott will finish his career as the Bucs all-time leader in total touchdowns with 71 and in rushing touchdowns with 58. He is the team's second all-time leading rusher with 5,088 yards and third in scoring with 432 points, the first non-kicker surpass 400 points.

Two other members of the Bucs' Super Bowl championship team ended their careers with the Bucs this year. Linebacker Shelton Quarles retired and took a position as an advance scout with the club. Defensive end Simeon Rice was released.

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

Comments

Put the best players on the field. Another fine move by the great gruden and co.

[me]

The most overrated full back in the last 20 years. He was a good blocker, but he was a fumbler. They should of cut him two years ago.

[overrated]

he was a fumbler. But, fan favorite when he would run over people. Not a everydown back thats for sure. Wish him the best.

compare warrick dunn vs mike alstott since dunn left. one of the top ten biggest buc mistakes was thinking, even for a second, that alstott was better than dunn and could even play tailback. Result: we lose dunn and he goes on one 1000 yard season after the other. Might be number 2 on our bust list behind booker reese.

[mike]

Whoever posted that Alstott was overrated is a raving idiot who apparently didn't bother to read the article.

He is the all-time Bucs leader in total touchdowns, rushing touchdowns and the team's number two all-time rusher. Looks to me like the Bucs could use a few more overrated players like Alstott.

On top of all that, the man gave his all every time he was on the field and he is a decent human being, active in the community. That’s why people in this area love him so much.

By the way…it is “should have” not “should of.”

[Jon Gruden]

yeah 12 years and only 5k yards rushing. You should just not speak anymore. He ran the ball in from the 1 yard line probably 95% of the time. We should not have let Dunn go, but I don't like small backs. Mike had a great work ethic and a desire to play. But he was only good for a few carries a game. His history of fumbling proved he couldn't hold onto the ball. Nothing against the guy. Good guy and wish him the best.

[T.j.]

so glad that guy is gone fumble all the time with his weak wrist he was over rated and we should have kept dunn atleast he would block til last year I never saw Alstott put a hit on any one look at some film if he did'nt have the ball he'd just stand there!!!!!!!!!!!

mike
you should of checked your panties before getting them in a wad.
you should have played some sports instead of washing the blackboards for your english teacher, and you should of checked the 11:16 post before commenting on his greatness.

[Earnest Hemingway]

TJ
Great grammar. You must have been one hell of an athlete in your day - unlike some bloggers i know. I spent my whole life working on grammar and not enough outdoors. didn't work out well for me though

[Tim]

Hey "me".. you are a jerk !!!!!!!!!
He had a fumble problem ONE season and it was blown WAY out of proportion..
How many fumbles did he have last season ??I think that would be 3 .. In 16 games.. Above all the football things Mike is a class act.. I hope he stays in the Tampa Bay area..
Good luck #40...

[Jon Gruden]

Remember to capitalize those I's.

How dare all of you that speak ill of alstott. yeah he is not what he once was. he is foever a symbol of the bucs. he was never a tailback you nimrods, he was a FB who ocasionally got some carries. anyone of you name one fullback who was or is better...cant do it can you? you should be ashamed of yourselves. go back to rooting for the jags or dolphins. we dont need you.

[Jon Gruden]

My top 3 would have to be Mack Strong, Lorenzo Neal, and Justin Griffith.

[mike]

Comparing Warrick Dunn to Mike Alstott is dumb. Dunn is a halfback, Alstott is a fullback. Enough said about that.

As for the nameless wonder who posted regarding my athletic history, you have no idea who you are talking to or what I have done. You would probably be surprised. It's aweful easy to sit behind a keyboard and run your mouth...so to speak. I doubt you would be quite so bold in person.

[Derek]

aside from all the negativity of Fans who can't even appreciate what Alstott meant to the bucs, let me be the first to say. Alstott will be missed. Yes he's no longer the A-train he once was, but he gave me a a decade of great memories and I will never forget watching him plow people over, even if it was Red Zone rushes and he fumbled sometimes. He was an animal and He's done great things with charities in the Tampa Bay Area. I wish him the best.

[Ryan Cannon]

I will never forget the 1999 NFC semi final against the Redskins where Alstott ran from the 2 yard line, bounced off three or four defenders, and just would not be denied the end-zone.

Good luck A-Train, you'll be missed.

[Wayne]

The man played with heart and pride. He was a terrific member of not only the TBB Buccaneers but of the Tampa Bay community. Look with the cap savings that we have from Alstott some you may want the Bucs to sign Michael "Mexxico" Vick or Adam "Felonious" Jones .

[Krystal]

Losing the A-Train is almost as sad as losing Tony Dungy - and that worked out well for us. Gruden won a Superbowl with Dungy's Bucs and took the credit but what happened since then...not a D**N thing. Anyway, Alstott can be counted on to make that 1 yard touchdown all the time...who else do we have like that. The Glazers should be more concerned with keeping the good players happy. We lost Rice already this season and now Alstott...so much for hope!

[Will]

Mike Alstott was a fan favorite, sure he cant make the same plays he made as a rookie. The guy had neck surgey.. but come on guys. The man is a Hall of Famer..and to say that he is overrated is the dumbest comment...the same ppl saying he's overrated are the same who went ape-s#$t over every touchdown the man scored(1 yard TD against Minnesota Vikings..greatest run of his career)..lets not forget when he came in when we had not a had winning season in 15+ yrs. It takes a team to win, but this indiviual put it out on the field everytime..The A-Train will be sorely missed for yrs to come. He is the face of the franchise

[Rosalie]

I recently met Mike Alstott and one cannot hope to meet a nicer person. I will miss seeing him on the field. He is a class act who did a lot for the Bucs. Good luck, Mike - you deserve it.

[Matt]

Thanks Mike for many great years. You were loyal, dedicated and served the Bucs well. It's time to hang them up and let productive people play. Your presence will be missed, your play will be missed but, when it's time it's time. Let's add Mike to the Bucs ring of honor...oh, that's right, we don't have one!!!

[Will]

This man was and still is an Icon of the Buccaneers. His "lunchpail" ethic and strong will makes him one of my favorite players to watch of all time. For all you A-Train haters, who is more exciting on the roster on offense to watch? No one. It makes me sick to read the negative posts some of you wrote. Stats don't lie, and he did that as a Fullback! As a person and a player, there is no one other than Derrick Brooks that is a bigger star in the Bay Area. The Bucs are a little less exciting to watch now.If you are retiring Mike, all the best and gratitude to you and your family from mine.

[Dave cutler]

All that's to be said for such an amazing man, father, husband and my favorite Buccaneer: Thank you, Mike!

[Dave]

I will miss Allstott. Awesome guy and great FB. I wish nothing but the best for the guy. Also, anyone who thinks that Gruden won with "Dungy's team" & thinks that Dungy could have beaten Philly in Philly in the NFC Championship game does NOT understand the game of football. In fact, you are complete idiots. Find yourself another team & do not call yourselves Buc fans. Move on. Anyone remember any of the final scores that season & any post season results? Definitely not "Dungy Ball" type scores.... Dumba$$es!!!

[Dawn W.]

What is wrong with all of you hateful people? This is a very sad day in Tampa. We love you, Michael, and we will never forget you for who you are on and off the field. Thanks for the fabulous memories.

[Big Mike]

Thanks ATrain.

[JD]

Atrain, you will be missed. He was the thunder to Dunn's lightning, a throw back to the likes of Riggin's, Jim Taylor, and Czonka. For those of you who think Alstott was a HB, he wasn't, he was a fullback, probally the most versitale big man of the last decade. and Don't spoil this thread with Dunn talk either, if you think about it, that wasn't Atrain's fault, that was managment's. the bucs with the two back approach were ahead of their time in terms of the RBBC and speicalization. That shouldn't have changed. but it did, and i'll always be greatful for the great runs and blocks he brought us. Remember that double move he put on the packers in 2000? Just brilliant to watch.
thanks A-Train.

[Ashley]

It's another sad day in Tampa Bay and the Bucs. While Mike wasn't as good as he once was he was great both off and on the field, a crowd favorite. We'll miss you Mike!

I am still waiting for the 11:07 thru 11:16 poster to name a better overall fullback than alstott...past or present...come on i dare you

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

Sad day. Love the guy.

I wonder what the football purists will think of him as one of the all-time great fullbacks? Will they complain that he wasn't a great blocker, or will they extoll his incredible abilities as a runner?

I think the question comes down to, who would you rather have as the starting fullback on your team (in his prime): Alstott or Moose Johnston?

[steve]

11:07 to 11:16 post man is nameless as he is ignorant, cowardly and an idiot probably a Bears Fan

[JAMES TINDELL]

A nice guy but overated. Put is numbers
up against John Riggins.

[JAMES TINDELL]

A nice guy but overated. Put is numbers
up against John Riggins.

[shane]

good bye A-Train i will miss your bruising runs

[Krystal]

I am so glad to she this blog turn around for Alstott. He brings pride to this team and he will be missed by his fans. And Dave...I know pleanty about football - how do you explain what Gruden has done since winning the superbowl and how about the fact that Dungy brought the Colts to the superbowl. Gruden should retire this year - not Alstott!

[Winston]

First comment on BucsBlog.

For th 12:39 Poster, I will offer one:
Larry Czonka.

This is not taking away anything from the A-Train, he's up on one of my pedestals, also.

I don't know if Zonk was a good a citizen as Mike, as the A-Train has a stellar reputation both on and off the field.

Lighten up, guys! A-Train was a 'tweener who never really had a position. Before his injury he was a terror on the goal line, a great "change of pace" threat and a dangerous short yardage reciever. He also had a great comeback season in 2005 with his "up-and-over" TDs. Back when stiffs like Les Steckell and Mike Shula ran our offense he was one of the few guys who kept the chains moving and allowed us to be competitive. He was a great team mate, a great person and a fan favorite.

ALL HAIL THE A-TRAIN!!!

[fg]

Can we get Tony Dungy back??

"I'm Just Sayin"!! lol

[Sara]

Thank you, A-train, for your dedication to the Bucs. I hope that you have a happy retirement. You will be missed by many fans.

[Patrick]

Alstott is personifies tough Bucs football. Anyone who says different hasn't been watching the games since 97'.

[Jimbo]

Thanks A Train for your 2 yards a game on 8 carries with 3 fumbles. He should have been cut two years ago.

[John]

Good bye Thomas the Train you won't be missed. I used to love and watch him pick up 2 inches. OverRated

[DG]

TJ are you retarded?

[Billy]

What was that you said James?

[Holden Mcgroin]

Three years too late. And STILL not saying he's retired? I think we've all had enough of this retirement schtick.

[JAMES TINDELL]

Only sometimes,I was stuffing my face
with my right hand and attempting to type with my left.

[me]

Hey Tim, he fumbled all the time. That is why he was not a 20 carry a game back. What did he do in what looks like his last game, fumble inside the twenty against the Seahawks. Seattle scored a TD a few plays later.

I'll name a better full back, "Moose Johnson" with the Cowboys; and I hate the Cowboys.

[Sky]

I totally with so much that has already been said in this thread. Mike Alstott had his great moments and we had our bad but he was part of an elite group who are almost all gone. My problem is Gruden and Bruce Allen need to go, they have brought nothing but disaster to a rising franchise who should have been great for years to come...now look where we are?! GLAZERS, please pay more attention to the fans, we will help you make the right choices for OUR future!

[Krystal]

I thought this blog turned around. He may be slipping but it is due to an injury he received playing his heart out for the Bucs! Show some love!! He still makes the shorts scores and can still run through a defense and get the job done. I am glad he didn't retire.

[WAYOVERATED]

I already named 3 better fullbacks~

Mack Strong, Lorenzo Neal, and Justin Griffith.