He's More Than Just Another Teammate There were many football fans who liked to watch Bucs fullback Mike Alstott play on Sundays, but his teammates loved him. "He was the last person I touched before I walked onto the football field. His play over the years stands by itself, in a league by itself," former Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp said. "The kid played real good ball for a long time, and you could always count on him. The time and the memories I have of Mike Alstott are so great that I don't even consider him a teammate. I consider Mike Alstott family." Sapp's sentiment is just one of many affectionate expressions by Alstott's teammates upon learning of his official retirement on Thursday. Alstott stepped away from football because of a severe neck injury after a celebrated 12-year career, which included six Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl ring in 2002. While Alstott struggled to hold back tears during Thursday's news conference at One Buc Place, those who knew him did not have any problems sharing their emotions. "I have such mixed feelings for Mike, because on the one hand his neck injury says, without question, that it is time for the next chapter of his life. But I know he loves football and the game and its fans really love him back," Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber said. "He'll be missed as much as he misses us." Before Alstott's triumphant NFL career, he was a standout running back at Purdue. He set numerous rushing records for the Boilermakers, including career (3,635), single-season rushing yards (1,436 in 1995) and career touchdowns (39). Alstott's college success led former Purdue coach Jim Colletto, now Detroit's offensive coordinator, to believe he would have an outstanding NFL career. "Mike was one of the best, if not the best, players in 40-plus years of coaching I've ever been around," Colletto said. "He was not only a good player, but a good guy. He was a good teammate for the other guys and was a good leader." Alstott later became Tampa Bay's second-round draft pick (35th overall) in 1996, and his work ethic helped turn around a franchise that had not made the playoffs since 1982. "I think in many ways Mike Alstott embodied the transformation of the organization, with the way he played and the style in which he played," former Bucs safety John Lynch said. "In 1996, we drafted this young kid from Purdue, and he helped turn this franchise from perennial losers to a championship team." Alstott was able to help Tampa Bay become a winning team through his blue-collar work during practice and his aggressive approach on the field. Both helped Alstott amass 5,088 rushing yards (second in team history) and 2,284 receiving yards (third in team history). "Mike and I spent many offseasons working hard, getting ready for camp," former Bucs tight end Dave Moore said. "In my opinion, you can judge an NFL player by his dedication to the game in the offseason when nobody is watching. I can assure you that Mike was not going to be outworked at any time by anyone. ... It was a privilege to play with Mike." It was a privilege many Bucs players were fortunate to have. Outside of memories, each will cherish their love for Alstott. "The thing I will take away is our friendship," running back Michael Pittman said. "We will have memories of Mike being on the football field, but the most memories we'll have of Mike is the friendship that we have. We're more than just teammates. I hang out at his house. Our wives and kids play together. I love him like a brother. It's going to be definitely hard not having him around. Most of all, I will miss seeing Mike in that football uniform. It's going to be hard." Anwar Richardson, The Tampa Tribune 25January 2008