Exclusive: Buccaneers Legend Mike Alstott on How Tampa Bay Can Win it All

Newsweek

2 days ago

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There might not be anyone more recognizable as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend than legendary fullback Mike Alstott. Otherwise known as the "A-Train," Alstott's hard-nosed running style led him to a Super Bowl win, three First-team All-Pro selections, a Second-team All-Pro selection, and six Pro Bowl nods.
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Alstott is also a member of the Buccaneers Ring of Honor, along with being in the Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame. The former Bucs fullback embodies a purely physical and violent type of running that is starting to make its way back into the NFL.
Alstott sat down with Newsweek Sports to talk about his partnership with USAA and the excitement behind the current Buccaneers team.
Alstott got to partner with USSA to engage in training military in an NFL Combine type of workout.
"We had combine-like drills, 40-yard dash, three-cone drills, and passing drills. It was an excellent setup. Our military members were competing all day, and right before that, we got a preview of what is going on with the Buccaneers," Alstott stated about the event.
"I was very honored to be able to interact and spend a lot of time with our military service members, to be with them, and show my appreciation with them. I was coaching them up and helping them with stances."
Alstott remains active in everything Buccaneers and has high hopes for the team.
"Sky's the limit. I think we are going to be sneaky. I think we have a little more depth in positions from last year. We just gotta get on the same page. I love the chemistry of the team. I love the makeup, how Baker puts the team first."
Alstott points to the similar nature of this current team under Baker Mayfield and head coach Todd Bowles being similar to the championship team he was apart of in the 1990s.
"The team is all about 'we', and not about 'I.' If they stay healthy, there is a big chance that we can go deep."
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 1: Fullbacker Mike Alstott #40 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers comes off the field after scoring a few extra yards on the ground duriing a NFL football game against the Washington...
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 1: Fullbacker Mike Alstott #40 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers comes off the field after scoring a few extra yards on the ground duriing a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 1, 2000 in Landover, Maryland. More
Michael J. Minardi/Getty Images
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Alstott sees a big future in store for Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving.
"Bucky is great. He is not a kid that is going to get big-headed. I spent some time with him. He is very confident. Works hard, studies hard. Very instinctive and humble. It's very important to be humble and level-headed, especially heading into his sophomore season."
Alstott sees how the stacked wide receiver corps and solid run game can do some damage in the NFL. That has certainly been the case with the resurgence of the Bucs in the last two seasons.
The Buccaneers made the playoffs in back-to-back years with Mayfield running the show. This led to him receiving a three-year, $100 million extension.
There is plenty to be excited about regarding the Buccaneers. Alstott sees it the same way the rest of the NFL sees it.
Alstott spent all of his 12 seasons with the Buccaneers, sharing many years with fellow Bucs legend Warren Sapp. When asked what his favorite Sapp story is, he hilariously shut it down.
"I can't share those, they are not PG."
To watch the entire interview, watch the video above.
For more on the Buccaneers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.