Throwback Thursday: Remember Mike Alstott?

By: Brooks L | 08/10/2023

Alstott played 12 seasons with the Buccaneers. Nicknamed "A-Train" due to his extremely physical playing style.

On this edition of Throwback Thursday, we explore the legendary career of battering ram Mike "A-Train" Alstott. Alstott is a former American football player who is best known for his career as a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on December 21, 1973, in Joliet, Illinois.

Fun Fact:

In the Madden 2000 video game, Alstott received the illustrious 100 overall Madden rating and is one of only 7 players to ever receive a rating that high. Alstott had a break tackle rating of 86 and a carry rating of 80 that year. He was absolutely unstoppable as a short-yardage runner.

College Career:

Alstott played college football for Purdue University from 1992 to 1995. During his time at Purdue, he was a standout player, earning several honors and awards. He was a versatile player, known for his powerful running style, agility, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Alstott's performance at Purdue caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was highly regarded as one of the best fullback prospects entering the 1996 NFL Draft.

NFL Career:

Mike Alstott was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft with the 35th overall pick. He quickly established himself as one of the most dominant and physical fullbacks in the league. Throughout his career, he was a vital component of the Buccaneers' offense, providing strong blocking and being a reliable short-yardage runner and red-zone threat.

The Bucs used Alstott primarily as a running fullback versus a blocking fullback that teams were starting to switch to at the time.

Alstott's combination of strength, speed, and agility made him a formidable player to tackle, and he often broke through would-be tacklers for extra yardage. His playing style was often likened to that of a powerful running back rather than a traditional fullback.

He played his entire NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, from 1996 to 2006. During his time with the team, Alstott achieved numerous accolades and milestones, including:

- Six Pro Bowl selections (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005)

- Three-time First-team All-Pro selection (1997, 1998, 1999)

- Tampa Bay Buccaneers' all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (58)

- Inducted into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ring of Honor in 2015

Retirement:

Unfortunately, injuries took a toll on Alstott's career, and after the 2006 season, he announced his retirement from professional football in January 2008. Despite his injuries, he left a lasting impact on the game and was widely regarded as one of the most beloved players in Buccaneers' history.

Life After Football:

Alstott got back into the game of football post-retirement, serving as a high school Head Coach at St. Petersburg, Florida's Northside Christian from 2012 to 2022. He compiled an overall record of 60-57 with seven postseason appearances and a state semifinal berth in 2016.

Alstott decided to move on from coaching and entered the next stage of his life. He is now enjoying employment as an entrepreneur in Florida.

Legacy:

Mike Alstott's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He was revered by fans for his work ethic, leadership, and his commitment to the community. After his retirement, Alstott remained involved with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization and has been an inspiration to many aspiring young athletes.

Mike Alstott was grit and power personified.

In summary, Mike Alstott was a dominant fullback in the NFL known for his power running style, versatility, and contributions to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' success during his career. He left a lasting impact on the game and is remembered as one of the greatest fullbacks in NFL history.

What's your favorite Mike Alstott memory?

Let us know in the OTD Sports forum thread ⬇️