Farewell Mike Alstott's next run at Raymond James Stadium will be a victory lap. The Buccaneers icon ended a memorable 12-year NFL career Thursday with an emotional news conference to announce his retirement amid coaches and teammates who shared in the tears and laughter. "The hardest thing is to stand up here and say you can't play," said Alstott, sidelined all of last season because of a neck injury suffered in training camp. "I wanted to say thank you and close this chapter of my life." Flanked by his wife, Nicole, and Bucs executive vice president Bryan Glazer, Alstott said he was in discussions for a continuing role with the team that drafted him in the second round out of Purdue in 1996. "If you needed a yard, Mike got you two," said Glazer, who confirmed the Buccaneers will hold a public ceremony at a home game during the 2008 season to honor Alstott. Alstott, 34, earned six consecutive Pro Bowl berths beginning in 1997 and set a franchise record with 71 touchdowns in 158 regular-season games. His bruising style generated 5,088 rushing yards on 1,359 carries, many fondly characterized by radio voice Gene Deckerhoff as "Alstott up the gut." Alstott's unique bond with Bucs fans derived in part from his blue-collar roots, growing up in Joliet, Ill., with a dream of playing pro football. He also was very active off the field, eager to lend his support to the Children's Cancer Center and many other causes in the Tampa Bay community. "Mike always seemed to be a very approachable person," said Tony Bosco, a 39-year-old Bucs fan from Spring Hill. "And his game was all about heart. He's definitely someone I want my kids to look up to." Alstott maintained his composure throughout the announcement, pausing several times to fight back tears when talking about the end of a playing career like no other in Bay area sports annals. "To the city of Tampa and all Buc fans, I say thank you," he said. "We weren't playing just for ourselves, we were playing for you. The memories you've given me will be forever." Alstott and his family departed immediately for a vacation in the Bahamas, but he left quite a legacy behind on the mainland. "Our careers were parallel, and I'm so proud of him," said former Bucs defensive end Simeon Rice, who grew up in Chicago, attended the University of Illinois and faced Alstott in high school and college. "The man was known for second and third effort, and he had some incredible runs. He's leaving the game with his accomplishments and his health." Although Alstott's playing role was sharply reduced since 2003, he never complained publicly. "Mike's a great person, on and off the field," teammate Michael Pittman said. "Mike and Tampa fit together, and I love him like a brother. It's going to be sad not seeing him in uniform anymore, but I think it's the right move." Alstott was placed on injured reserve Aug. 9 for a neck problem apparently unrelated to the neck surgery that sidelined him for the final 12 games of the 2003 season. Bucs fans are left with the vivid memories of Alstott's signature runs, carrying frustrated defenders across his broad shoulder pads. He also was a skilled receiver out of the backfield, leading NFC rookies in 1996 with 65 catches. Alstott scored four touchdowns in the 2002 postseason, including a 2-yard run in the Super Bowl XXXVII rout of the Raiders. "When you talk about Mike Alstott, you're talking about toughness and consistency," said former Bucs linebacker coach Joe Barry, now the defensive coordinator in Detroit. "Not only was he a great football player - he was great for Tampa Bay. There are special players throughout the history of this league, but there aren't many special players who are also special people." Tampa Bay defensive tackle Chris Hovan still shudders when he recalls being in a Vikings uniform and seeing No. 40 coming at him, all arms and thighs. "Mike was going to hit that hole, whether you were there or not," Hovan said. "The man was a steamroller. When I came to Tampa, I found out he's also a great teammate. Any young guy coming into the league should study Mike Alstott ... he did it the right way." Alstott was present at all the home games and traveled with the Bucs on the road last season, leading the cheers from the sidelines as Tampa Bay won an NFC South title. Now, he will have more time to devote to his family, charitable endeavors and the Clearwater restaurant he owns with former teammate Dave Moore. His future role with the Bucs remains undetermined, although it appears unlikely Alstott will join Jon Gruden's coaching staff. "This is the end of an era," said Art Valero, who coached Tampa Bay running backs for the past four seasons. "The next one we see like him is probably only 9 years old right now." Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune 25January 2008