Alstott: No plans to play in 2008
The Bucs fullback says family comes first now: "Read between the lines ... I can't be selfish.''
By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
Published January 10, 2008
TAMPA - Bucs fullback Mike Alstott is known for his straight-ahead running style and he didn't dance around a question about his future Wednesday.
A more formal announcement may come later, but Alstott gave every indication his 12-year career is likely over.
Promoting a charity event on radio station 620-AM, Alstott said he has no plans to have a second neck operation in order to play next season.
"I guess you can read between the lines," Alstott said. "Couple neck injuries. I have a young family and a life to live, so I can't be selfish in that regard and say, 'Hey, let me go to get some type of surgery or something like that and try to fix the thing and go on.' I'm having fun doing what I'm doing right now with some other activities I'm involved with - hanging out with family, being part of my kids' lives in an everyday aspect."
Alstott, 33, said no surgery is required if he chooses not to play football, adding "it wouldn't be worth it."
The unexpected revelation prompted Alstott to cancel another appearance at the radio station Wednesday afternoon.
During a tearful news conference in August, Alstott announced that he had suffered a second neck injury that would force him to go on injured reserve, ending his season. At the time, he wasn't prepared to say the injury would end his career.
In 2003, Alstott had a compressed disc removed and replaced with the vertebrae from a cadaver in 2003. A titanium plate was used to fuse it together.
He said a battery of tests last fall revealed there was stress to his neck above the previously injured area. Pittsburgh neurosurgeon Dr. Joe Maroon, who performed Alstott's first surgery, advised him not to play.
After consulting with team trainers, doctors, his family, general manager Bruce Allen and coach Jon Gruden, Alstott agreed the best course of action was to go on injured reserve.
The six-time Pro Bowl fullback continued to remain with his teammates, accompanying them on road trips. Alstott said Wednesday he hasn't discussed his plans with the Bucs but wouldn't rule out a position with the club. Linebacker Shelton Quarles joined the pro scouting department after his retirement and tight end Dave Moore joined the club's broadcast team.
"I really don't know what's going to happen even with football right now," Alstott said.
VALERO LIKELY HEADED TO RAMS: At least one Bucs assistant coach may be leaving.
Running backs coach Art Valero has had discussions with the Rams about joining their revamped staff under coach Scott Linehan. The move had not been announced Wednesday, but it's likely Valero would coach the offensive line. St. Louis fired offensive line coach Paul Boudreau last week and Greg Olson was informed he would not be the offensive coordinator in 2008.
Bucs receivers coach Richard Mann and offensive line coach Bill Muir have been offered contract extensions and are expected to remain with Tampa Bay. The Bucs also plan to hire former Nebraska coach Bill Callahan, who was Gruden's offensive coordinator with the Raiders.
Valero has worked with Linehan twice, at the University of Idaho from 1991 to 1993 and at Louisville from 1999 to 2001. Valero spent six seasons with the Bucs, all under Gruden.