Alstott's top five plays

Jan. 15, 2000
The box score read as if it was nothing special:

Alstott 2-yard run.

But anyone who saw it will tell you that not only was it one of the best runs in Bucs history, it might be one of the best runs in NFL history. From north to south, it was 2 yards. But Alstott seemingly ran miles to get into the end zone in this playoff game against the Redskins.

Taking a handoff from Shaun King, the 260-pound fullback rumbled to his right and spun out of tackles by Derek Smith and Marco Coleman. He reversed field and tried the middle, but was met by James Francis. So Alstott bolted left, where Ndukwe Kalu was waiting for him.

Alstott easily shed that tackle and cruised into the end zone to spark the Bucs' come-from-behind 14-13 victory.

Humble as always, Alstott said, "They did a good job stretching the play, forcing it outside, forcing it outside, and there was nothing there. I tried cutting it up so I wouldn't lose any yardage, and they didn't wrap up. I kept on breaking tackles, breaking tackles, and I just looked backside and there it was."

Jan. 26, 2003

Again, it's Alstott's trademark, the phrase that should probably be engraved on his tombstone:
Alstott 2-yard run.

But again, this is not just another 2-yard run. It was a 2-yard run into history. It was the Bucs' first-ever Super Bowl touchdown. How fitting. Probably the best-loved player in franchise history will forever be in the books as scoring the Bucs' first touchdown in a Super Bowl. And how fitting that it was ... a 2-yard run.

Nov. 13, 2005

In the official statistics, Alstott doesn't even get credit for this 2-yard plunge into the end zone. He doesn't get credit for a carry. He doesn't get credit in his final statistics for these two yards. But, naturally, there seems to be nothing ordinary about the A-Train rumbling into the end zone.

With only 58 seconds left and the Bucs having just scored to cut a Washington Redskins lead to 35-34, coach Jon Gruden makes the daring decision to go for two. Everyone in the stadium is expecting the ball to go to Alstott.

And even though "everybody" includes the Washington defense, Alstott cannot be denied. He busts through the wall waiting for him at the line of scrimmage and bowls his way in to give the Bucs a 36-35 victory.

Oct. 13, 2002

The Alstott aficianados will tell you this is the greatest run of Alstott's career. It wasn't a touchdown. It came during a relatively easy 17-3 victory. But it was the epitome of Alstott's bulldog mentality and bulldozer style.

With the Bucs at their own 32, Alstott takes a handoff from Brad Johnson and is nearly tripped up by Cleveland linebacker Earl Holmes. As he keeps moving, Alstott is hit under the left shoulder by Corey Fuller, who slides down Alstott's body, as Times staff writer Rick Stroud described, as if he was "sliding down a firefighter's pole."

Fuller grabs Alstott's ankle, forcing Alstott to hop twice and break free. Next, he is hit by Dwayne Rudd. Holmes rises to his feet, hits Alstott and it looks like the play is over. But Alstott somehow stays inches above the ground by propping himself up with his left arm.

Bang, bang, bang, three more Browns take shots at Alstott. He drags several players and is finally hauled down at the 49. The remarkable run lasts a mere 13 seconds, but gains 19 yards during which Alstott was hit nine times by six defenders.

Nov. 9, 1997

The funny part is we barely remember this play. But you have to include it because this 47-yard run against the Falcons was the longest in Alstott's career. But you know, come to think of it, maybe it shouldn't surprise us that this run is not etched into our memory banks.

For us, Alstott blazing his way down the field untouched is not how we remember the A-Train. Those in Tampa Bay will remember Alstott lumbering through piles, bouncing off tacklers, carrying defenders on his back like they're kids at a picnic and scoring a touchdown. Usually from 2 yards out.

-- Tom Jones, Times staff writer

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

Comments

[piet H. Johannes]

And how about all the times he fumbled on the 1 yard line?

[JScott]

why don't you refresh everyone's memory with the Opponent and Date of every fumble he had on the 1 yard line "Piet"

[Michele Forte]

There was a run against I believe the Lions in 1997 where he runs into a wall of guys, backs up, goes to the left, spins and shoves three or so guys into the endzone while moving backwards. Unbelievable.

[TC]

Michele, that run was against the Vikings and in my opinion was the best run he ever had. We are gonna miss you Mike.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=10AHmfP-qdU

[Tonya]

Alstott was never a fullback, so you posters need to stop calling him that. A Fullbacks primary responsibility is to block. Dunn was a better blocker than Alstott and he was let go because Dungy thought Alstott could be a full time tailback. Injuries and fumble problems brought that experiment to a halt.

There is no doubt that he is an all time great buc, but get your facts straight.

Mike,

sorry actually had to do a little work. I'm not as fortunate as you to be a self employed interior designer - with a hobby of reading strunk and white while I go to bed in my victoria secret jammies.

I'd be "surprised about your athletic ability". Who talks like that? Did you say it with a lisp?

[Richard Simmons]

Leave Mike alone. He's very athletic. He is the best one in my class.

We all know why Mike likes Alstott. He's hot. Hey Mike do you have a chihuahua?

Holder wake up.
This is all about dog fighting. I have a friend in Goodell's office who says they contacted alstott and told him retire or face consequences. Just like stern did with jordon with gambling in the nba years ago.
If holder and shelton would ever learn some investigative skills, you wouldn't have to hear this from me.

Have you guys noticed that this blog started going crazy about the same time Petigout was injured??????

Wow. And Petigout is a huge dog fan. Has like 5 of them.

2:21:
I have heard whispers of this story leaking out of the commissioners office. The NFL could not afford the bad press that another dog-fighting ring would produce- so they forced Alstott to retire. I hope it's not true.

Petigout has been "dogged" by injuries this training camp.

[Jason]

When I saw this list, I was shocked that they didn't have that TD run against the Vikings. I remember watching Chris Berman go through that highlight with the sound of a train and after that play, you could always tell that Berman loved calling Alstott touchdowns. They may have only been 2 yards, but they were always the most exciting two yards you ever seen gained.

[Disappointed]

We paid big bucks for a lineman who has spent a career oh laying defensive lineman and riding on the credit of Barber... now he gets his money, acts like he is hurt, and starts blogging when his less paid teammates are sweating under the sun.

[Daniel]

Richard Simmons, got your poster on your wall.. you are looking great in those striped shorts.

[Daniel]

I mean my wall.... (in my mom's house of course)

[shocked]

Let me get this straight, this lineman gets big $ to come here, doesn't want to practice and now has 5 dogs that he brings to practice and throws tennis balls to them all day.

Oh yeah, Mike Alstott is in involved in dogfighting and Roger Goodell is gonna sweep it under the rug, risking an all-out explosion by the NAACP and other chocolate advocacy groups??!!

You idiots.

I swear, the crap that comes out of some mouths is just insane. You people are so goddamn stupid to come up with such garbage.

[Brady]

In the 2005 game against the Redskins, the officials may have "awarded" him the 2-point conversion; but he CLEARLY did not cross the goal line. This was evident from the nosebleed seats and EVERY replay. You're right, everybody in the house knew he'd get the rock. That's exactly why the Redskins defense collapsed on him, denying him of the score.

[Mike]

To the nameless wonder:

Victoria's Secret jammies. That was quite creative and mildly amusing. It is also kind of funny that you said Mike Alstott is hot. I had never really thought of that before, but if you say so...

You are a pretty tough guy. I wish I had guts like you have. It takes a big man to insult someone on a blog. Your anonymity is so intimidating. You type a mean insult...yes indeed. I am so despondent. (had to wipe away the tears) I am thinking I might have to lay in bed for three or four days in my jammies and eat chocolate. I may even sell my interior design business. It just cut me so deeply to learn that you disapprove. I guess I will have to move on though. Maybe someday I can be as tough as you.

[Mike]

The best run ever - without a doubt - was the Vikings run. I will miss watching this man play the game of football...the right way. He was never used the right way, with any coach. People forget that Alstott caught 65 passes as a rookie. And he never complained about his lack of use. Maybe it's his roots. He went to the same high school as "Rudy."

[Kyle]

There wasn't a skill player in the league that could run over defenders like the A-Train. When Lynch was with the Bucs, Herm Edwards instructed him about Alstott, "You never go near that guy in practice, because he's a clavicle buster". 3rd & 9? Throw it to Alstott in the flats and watch him break 4 tackles and get the 1st down. He should one day be in the NFL's Hall Of Fame.

Brady

The NFL replay officials disagree with you. Clearly there's a reason why they have those positions and you do not, Hawkeye.

Thanks for playing.

[Bryce]

Tonya, not a very good memory eh? It wasn't dungy that let Dunn him go. Gruden/McKay let him leave via free agency.

[Brady]

Hey Anonymous,

If you want to hang your hat on replay officials, that's pretty weak. You know how absolutely inconsistent they are with the replay system week in and week out. In your heart of hearts you KNOW he didn't cross the goal line, which is exactly why you brought the officials into your argument. Go back to watching MASH re-runs.

Has nothin to do with MASH, kid. Make comments about being able to see from the nosebleeds and that's what you get. Sorry you couldn't get it on the first try.

Yes, replay officials can be inconsistent but can you actually admit you are more spot on than they are? Thought so.

Nice how you cite that siding with replay officials is weak yet your only argument is that it was evident from "EVERY replay" and the nosebleeds. Now, go have a nice glass of STFU and go play with your Hogette dolls.

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

Is anyone else bothered that Tonya's post is entirely fiction? It's like she made it up completely. I'm surprised she didn't mention that Tony Dungy and Mike Alstott knew about 9/11 and Iraq's missing WMDs.

Dungy was fired after 2001, the same offseason Dunn became a free agent. After a long and embarrassing search for a head coach, Jon Gruden was hired and immediately tried to re-sign Dunn to a long-term contract. However, Atlanta offered him an astronomical contract so we lost him.

Dungy never wanted Alstott as the full-time starter. He liked the balance between Dunn and Alstott. Gruden has always preferred a tailback that can "go the distance" to get the preponderance of carries, but likes having a short yardage specialist (like Tyrone Wheatley or Zack Crockett when he coached the Raiders) like Alstott as well.