Alstott 'Sad To Be Walking Away' Mike Alstott, arguably the most popular Tampa Bay Buccaneer in the history of this NFL franchise, officially called it quits this morning in an emotional announcement at the team's headquarters. Three times, Alstott had to stop his short speech, choking back tears. "Though mentally, I feel like I could continue, physically, I cannot," he said. "I'm very sad to be walking away from this game that I love." His retirement comes after having to sit out a full year after a nagging neck injury. Alstott's 12-year playing career ran the gamut, from a dismal team with losing records to Super Bowl champions. His entire career was played as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, one of 18 players to stay with the same team in the history of the game, team owner Brian Glazer said. "He's an amazing man," Glazer said. Alstott thanked dozens of people by name and scores of others who helped him during his career, from members of the media to coaches and fellow players. He thanked his fans and said haltingly that he was going to miss the roar of the crowd as he took the field at the beginning of each home game. He wore a red shirt and pewter-colored suit coat. A Buccaneer flag was pinned to his lapel. Although fans won't see number 40 plowing through the offensive line for an almost guaranteed 4 or 5 yards a carry, they may continue to see Alstott working for the organization in some front office or coaching capacity. "It's been a pleasure," Jon Gruden said. "It's been an honor to coach one of the great players in Buccaneer history. And we will try to hire you, brother, to do something around here." Calling Alstott an "unbelievable player," Gruden said that when he took the job in 2002, Alstott was selected as the team's captain by a unanimous vote of the players. "It was the first time, in my career, that all 53 people selected the same guy," Gruden said. Alstott, whose nickname was the A-Train, played fullback. During the seasons after the Bucs won the championship his playing time dwindled, even through he proved to be a solid fan favorite. Freight train whistles could be heard all over the stadium whenever he stepped onto the field. He made it to six consecutive Pro Bowls, three times as a starter. Paired with tailback Warrick Dunn, Alstott was a big part in the team's turnaround from perennial losers to winners during the late 1990s under Head Coach Tony Dungy. Alstott's best season was in 1999, when he helped the Bucs reach the NFC title game by gaining 1,188 total yards, including 949 rushing yards, and scoring nine touchdowns. He retired as the Bucs all-time leader in touchdowns (71) and rushing touchdowns (56) and as their second-best ground gainer (5,088 yards) behind James Wilder (5,957). Katherine Smith, The Tampa Tribune 25 January 2008