Share your favorite memories

Bucs fullback Mike Alstott was placed on injured reserve today, ending his season and perhaps his career. If he does choose to retire after 12 seasons, 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 to surpass 400 points. But it is his punishing running style and down-to-earth personality that has endeared the A-Train to many fans. Share your favorite memories of the A-Train in the comments area below.

(Times photo - Carrie Pratt. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Jay]

It has got to be the 2001 season, and I think the game was versus Cleveland, but Alstott (with Lorenzo Neal as FB possibly?) busts a run right off tackle into the secondary and it was a scene out of a video game. He was slamming into DB's and knocking them flat, while dragging others and just plain refusing to go down. I had never seen anything like that in my life, and have yet to see it again from any other player since. The man was simply unstoppable. For the rest of the game the entire secondary was terrified to even attempt to tackle him. I was never more proud to be a Bucs fan. Even as you watch tape from the last few seasons there isn't a man on defense who will take him head on - they all dive at his ankles. That's respect. Mike has been the source of so much Bucs fan pride for myself and most of Tampa Bay over the years, and we'll all miss him.

[Marissa]

I remember when the Bucs would be at the 1 or 2 yard line and ready to score. The play would snap and Alstott would literally jump over all of the other players and score. I always thought it was cool because he is a such a big guy and to see him jump over people was awesome.
I am really going to miss him. It is my favorite Buccaneer.

[Trevor]

Easy, 1997, Week 3 in Minnesota. Bucs lined up on the Viking 1 yard line, Dilfer hands off to Alstott, who originally gets stuffed at the point of attack, spins a little towards the outside, but gets stopped halfway around, and thus facing the wrong way. He starts pushing back wih his legs and ends up backing his way into the endzone, pushing 3 or 4 defenders back while doing so. Second would be his Super Bowl TD.

[Big Mike]

Too many moments too name my favorite, but I loved it when the Atrain turned into the A-Plane, especially the TD he scored against one of Atlanta's secondary guys, he looked as if he was going to drop a shoulder on him and at the last minute he leaped over him for a TD. I dont remember who it was but he got OWNED!!! Someday the Bucs might bring in another bruising back but you will never be replaced, THANKS for the first superbowl TD and for all the memories. GO BUCS!

[Lee]

Alsott up the guy breaks the Lions backs in the final game at the Old Sombrero in 1997.
Bucs beat the Lions for their first playoff win since the early-80s.

[Ashley]

Just watching Mike Alstott jump over people and run through people as if they weren't even there was the best. He's a class act and will be missed SO much....Love you Mike

[Betty]

The first time I saw you push your way way over the goal line I though John Riggins had come out of retirement. No one plays football like that anymore. Thanks for the fun the wins and the class you brought to the game. "GIVE THE BALL TO MIKEY!"

[Demarcus]

Mike,
The first time I saw you push and shove jump and run to gain 3 inches I thought what is wrong with this guy.

[kathy Hughes]

Mike:
Picture 4 sisters in their late 50's gathering around the t.v. every game sans husbands and kids. It was the girls day with potluck meals, cold beer and lots of noise between us. We had to be very quiet when you had the ball though. We held our breaths and nearly cried with each touchdown powered by you. We love you Mike.

[Mike]

If it wasn't for Chris Berman jocking this joker, nobody would care about him. He was a horrible short down back and a horrible blocker. Even so, he is a worse human being!!

[Curt]

I grew up watching Mike at Joliet Catholic, Mike and his mom and dad were close friends to my family. Mike was a great guy in high school and college, havent talked to him in awhile,although I am not a Bucs fan I have always admired Mike. I hope his career is not over.

[Bradley]

Wow. I don't know what the Bucs are going to do without the A-Train. Maybe now they can get a fullback that actually blocks, doesn't fumble every 5th carry, and averages more than 2.0 yards per carry!

[Tim]

Hey Bradley...... why don't YOU put on a set of pads and try it.. and then name me another running back who stayed with the same team 13 years.. Check the stats BRADLEY.. Mike Alstott IS Mr. Buccaneer..

[Dave]

Have to agree with Trevor. The TD he ran in backwards in Minnesota was the most determined play i've ever seen a RB make.

[Jeff Hagman]

"Even so, he is a worse human being!!"

Aww what's the matter, Mikey, did A-Train not sign a helmet for you to hock on EBay?

Poor little troll.

[Dave Cutler]

I wish nothing but the best in life to my favorite player, the most popular Buccaneer in team history, the Buccaneer who leads the team in total TDs, the first Buccaneer to score a TD in a Super Bowl, Mr. Buccaneer, Mike Alstott!

Thank you, Mike!

[james r wilson]

Mike Alstott is a throw back as far as his playing style. Hard nose with a will to win. I never saw Bronco Nagurski play, but from what I've read about Bronco, I think Mike is a lot like him. An irresistable force!

The biggest thing about Mike is when he speaks there is no arrogance, even though many players who have accomplished far less than Mike are very arrogant. He looks people in the eye. You feel like you know him. Mike has Charisma.

He's the All American Boy. The kind of man you would be proud to have as a son. I know his parents are proud of him.

He is the heart and soul of the Bucs. A dedicated team oriented player. I miss him already!

[RICH]

WHAT A CLASS ACT. LONG LIVE #40!