Alstott has extensive accomplishments off the field

Mike Alstott has founded a charitable foundation, makes appearances at hospitals and owns a restaurant in the Bay area.

By JOANNE KORTH
Published August 10, 2007

TAMPA - Mike Alstott's popularity in Tampa Bay goes beyond his ability to carry a football. The hard-working fullback, who was given the key to the city of St. Petersburg in 2003, has made an indelible mark on the community with his charitable efforts and business enterprises.

And he's just getting started.

This past offseason, he founded the Mike Alstott Family Foundation, allowing him to focus on the charities and issues that mean the most to him and his family.

"He's a big believer that success is measured by how many people you help," said Rich Clements, executive director of the foundation. "He has a big heart."

The foundation, expected to have a Web site, www.mikealstott familyfoundation.org, up and running soon, assures Alstott's presence in the bay area community for years.

"Ten years from now, his involvement here will continue to increase," Clements said. "People seeing his face will increase even more.

"When his playing days are over, whenever that might be, he'll have even more time on his hands. The foundation is something he wants to focus on."

The love affair between Alstott and the fans is mutual.

"When you put that helmet and jersey and pads on and you run out of the tunnel in front of 70- or 80,000 of the truest fans in the world and they scream and holler your name, there's no better feeling," Alstott said at Thursday's news conference. "I love the city of Tampa. I love the fans."

Alstott's off-field accomplishments:

- Formed the Mike Alstott Family Foundation in the 2007 offseason.

- Owns a restaurant, Island Way Grill in Clearwater, with former teammate Dave Moore.

- Maintains a ticket program, Alstott's Army, at home games.

- Frequently visits patients at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.

- Hosted the Celebrity Outdoor Weekend for the fourth consecutive year to benefit the Children's Cancer Center this spring.

- Took 50 youths who were waiting for mentors in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Pinellas program fishing in 2005.

- Does extensive community work with the Angelus Group, a home for disabled children.

- Spent time at the Joshua House during the holidays each of the past 10 years.

- Through his involvement with the Boys & Girls Club, established the Mike Alstott Football Camp for ages 8-18 during the 1997 offseason and has continued the program the past nine summers.

- Served as grand marshal of the St. Petersburg Grand Prix in 2005.

- Worked with Special Olympic athletes through the Gatorade Junior Training Camp in Orlando from 2004-06.

Joanne Korth can be reached at korth@sptimes.com or 727 893-8810.

[Last modified August 10, 2007, 00:17:21]