Alstott questions future

[FiddySicks]

Bucs' Alstott undecided about future

Associated Press

Posted: 1 day ago    

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Mike Alstott walked out of the home locker room at Raymond James Stadium, not knowing whether he'll return as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The six-time Pro Bowl fullback - arguably the biggest fan favorite in team history - has three years left on his contract, but Saturday's 17-10 playoff loss to Washington may well have been his last game for the Bucs.

"It's a decision that's on me," said Alstott, who restructured his contract before this season and is scheduled to earn $2 million in 2006. "I'll talk to my family, my wife and everybody else."

The 10-year pro turned 32 last month, and his role has diminished in recent seasons because of injuries and coach Jon Gruden's preference to use him as a more traditional fullback who blocks and carries the ball mostly in short-yardage situations.

The team's career touchdown leader (68) and second-leading all-time rusher (4,917 yards) gained 80 yards on 34 attempts and scored six of his seven TDs on the ground this season - solid numbers considering the emergence of rookie Carnell "Cadillac" Williams as a featured back capable of handling a heavy workload.

Alstott missed most of 2003 with a career-threatening neck injury and returned in 2004 to rush for 230 yards and two TDs, and catch 29 passes for 202 yards. He had four carries for 15 yards and gained 7 yards on his only reception during the loss to the Redskins.

"I've had the best time this year. Going through two frustrating seasons, first in 2003, with the neck and then last year trying to regroup and get to my normal self," Alstott said. "I felt I played well this year and did some good things. It was back to the old style again. ... We'll discuss it between me and my family and figure out what is best."

Gruden declined to discuss the subject last week, saying he and the players were focused solely on trying to beat the Redskins in Tampa Bay's first playoff appearance since the Bucs won the Super Bowl three seasons ago.

Alstott, who returned to the field to play football with his son before leaving the stadium, said it was difficult to think about what lies ahead after a disappointing loss.

The Bucs held the Redskins to 120 yards total offense and saw an opportunity to tie the game slip away in the closing minutes when Edell Shepherd lost control of the ball when he came down in the end zone on what would have been a 35-yard TD reception.

"You don't want to think about it. It's hard enough to swallow the loss," Alstott said.

The 250-pound Alstott is one of three players remaining on the roster from the days when the team was the laughingstock of the league and wore hideous orange uniforms and helmets with a logo featuring a winking pirate on the sides.

He, along with Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp and John Lynch, helped transform the franchise into one of the NFL's most successful over the past decade.

"This is where it all started," Alstott said. "Ten years, it's my life. ... It's a great place to play in front of these awesome fans for all of these years. I'd just like to thank everybody for their support for 10 great years."

Mike Alstott has been my favorite player in the NFL for the majority of his 10 seasons. Ive said for years that it would be a very sad for me personally when the A Train finally decides to hang up the cleats in favor of other things. I would be overjoyed if he were to return for another season, but at this point with his role lessened and the injuries hes faced i dont see that happening. I got the privilage of meeting him at the Pro bowl in 02 and getting him to sign my Alstott jersey and that event still to this day is the greatest sports moment ive ever had. I hope if he does retire he goes into the coaching ranks where whatever team he went to would instantly become one of my favorites. I also hope the Bucs would have the smarts to retire his number 40 (along with all the others who helped to shape this team when they all retire. Brooks, Barber, Lynch, Sapp). And finally, i hope he can eventually find his way into the Hall of Fame.

[bucskick20]

I sure hope the Train Stays another year. He has been a great asset on 3rd downs and in the Red Zone. He can get you a first down easilly, just run em down then here the train horn in the Stands.