Mike Alstott, perhaps the most popular Buccaneer in Tampa Bay history, may finally be near retirement. After 11 seasons of play, Alstott was choking back tears when he announced that he will not be playing in the upcoming season.
“The facts are the facts. I can’t put on a helmet or a jersey this year,” Alstott said. “… It’s just hard to grasp right now.”
At 33 years of age, however, Alstott was also sure to mention that he has not yet decided upon his future.
“I’m on injured reserve 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 later date (for) an announcement in those regards.”
Alstott, also referred to as the A-Train for his bruising style of play that made him a serious threat in short yardage situations, was one of the NFL’s best fullbacks in his heyday. From 1997-2002, all Pro Bowl seasons, he averaged 179 carries and 7 rushing (8.5 all purpose) touchdowns. And in arguably his best season, 1999, he carried 242 times for 949 yards and 7 touchdowns while adding another 239 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
But his streak of Pro Bowls ended in 2003, his first season under the coaching regime of Jon Gruden. Unlike his predecessor, Tony Dungy, Gruden did not utilize Alstott in the same way. Over the past four seasons Alstott has averaged only 47 carries.
There is no doubt, if Alstott does retire, he’ll be missed; not only by fans of the Bucs, but also by anyone who has ever watched him pound his way for a touchdown.
Photo courtesy St. Petersburg Times
This post is tagged
No Comments
Leave a Reply