Q&A: About the A-Train

By the Times Staff
Published August 10, 2007

Is Mike Alstott's career over?
Almost certainly. At age 33, with a history of neck injuries and at least 20 months between games (end of the 2006 season to start of the 2008 season), it is highly unlikely he will attempt to resume his playing career. He'll take some time to make a decision on his future. But he won't be under contract after this season.

Why didn't he just announce his retirement?
By being placed on injured reserve (a designation for players with serious injuries), Alstott is forced to sit out the entire season. Yes, it will give his neck injury time to heal. But it also guarantees he will receive his $1.5-million salary for this season and allows him to remain a member of the team.

What happened to his neck?
His neck problems date to October 2003, when he suffered a herniated disc in a 38-35 loss to the Colts. The injury requires surgery to remove the discs and insert bone from a cadaver. The vertebra gradually grows into the new bone, fusing into a solid piece. What apparently has happened is that the vertebra above that area has been placed under stress, causing pain and stiffness, and doctors have advised him not to play.

Who is likely to replace Alstott in the starting lineup?
B.J. Askew, 26, a free agent who played the past four seasons with the Jets, is the most likely candidate to become the starting fullback. The Bucs also have rookie free agent Byron Storer on the roster, and other running backs (Michael Pittman, Ernest Graham) and tight ends can fill the role of blocking back if necessary.

Can I still get an Alstott jersey?
By mid morning Thursday, the phone calls from fans seeking Alstott apparel started at Authentic Team Merchandise/ Bucs & Bulls Heaven.

"With the (preseason) home opener (tonight), there will be big demand for anything Mike Alstott," said Gerry D'Angelo, executive director of the shop on N Florida Avenue. The store planned to call Reebok over the weekend to order at least a couple hundred more No. 40 jerseys.

Alstott apparel -- in men's, women's and children's sizes alike -- have been perennial best-sellers, surpassed only when Cadillac Williams and Joe Jurevicius were newcomers, she said.

With the recent departures of Simeon Rice, Shelton Quarles and now Alstott, how many of the 22 players who started for the Bucs in the Super Bowl are still active?
Five. Pittman on offense; Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, Brian Kelly and Greg Spires on defense.

Is Alstott a Hall of Fame player?
Most likely not. His six Pro Bowls, Super Bowl victory and team records will make him a candidate. But voters would likely struggle with defining his career. His statistics don't compare to Hall of Fame running backs (most of his yards came from that position) and he wasn't a pure blocking fullback.

Jack Sheppard, Rick Stroud, Steve Huettel, Times staff writers

[Last modified August 10, 2007, 01:02:24]