6. Buccaneers FB Mike Alstott – 1996-2007

By Mark Cook

Alstott might be the most popular Buccaneers to ever suit up in Tampa Bay. His midwestern blue collar work ethic, combined with his hard-nosed running style, and “aw shucks” personality, resonated with fans from the time he arrived as a rookie in 1996 to even today where he stays involved in the community. He was also a heck of a talented football player, too.

The accolades run deep, including being a six-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion as well. Alstott’s namee still litters the Bucs record books as the team’s all-time leader in touchdowns with 71, and finished with 5,088 yards rushing, trailing only James Wilder who tallied 5,957. Alstott also is top three on the Bucs’ all-time receptions list, with 305 trailing just Wilder and Mark Carrier.

Since his retirement following the 2007 season and a neck injury, the “A-Train” as he was affectionately known, has established and immersed himself in the Tampa Bay community with his Mike Alstott Family Foundation, plus giving of his time as a youth league and high school football coach. The fans embraced Alstott and he in turn did the same to Tampa Bay. And in between provided more highlight reel runs and memories than be counted on both hands.

Cook’s Take: “Alstott’s popularity was something to behold and little has changed in the 10 years since he walked away from the game. The love for the A-Train was very present at our most recent bowling charity event, where we set a record for attendance and even had to run off several professional autograph dealers who got wind Mike was attending the event. One of my favorite Alstott stories was told on the radio pre-game before his first ever preseason game as a rookie. Alstott had a hamstring injury in camp and the coaches were holding him out of the game and earlier in the day one of the coaches noticed he was down in the dumps He was asked about it, and Mike told the coach he wanted to play and was afraid he wouldn’t make the team. The coach had to laugh and reassure Mike as a second round draft pick, he was going to be just fine. That summed up the hard working and humble Alstott.”

The Greatest All-Time Buccaneers’ Top 5 will be released tomorrow on PewterReport.com.