Mike Alstott, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL PLAYERS Chat
Dec. 2, 1997

ChatHost: We're joined tonight by fullback Mike Alstott from Tampa Bay. Welcome Mike!

Mike Alstott: Hi everyone! How are y'all doing tonight?

ChatHost: OK, ready for some questions? Here we go?

ChatHost: You're having a great year. What's your goal for the rest of the season?

Mike Alstott: Thanks I appreciate that! My goal is to go out every Sunday and do the things I like to do. My No. 1 goal is to help the team win. This game is a team sport, and you have to play as a team player, and abide by other people's rules.

Question: Do you miss college ball?

Mike Alstott: No, I enjoyed it but it was my dream to be in the NFL. The best thing about college is the people, but then everyone moves on. I had a great time though! I'm doing what I want to do in the NFL!

Question: What's it like to block for a running back with the capabilities of a Warrick Dunn?

Mike Alstott: It makes my job a lot easier. He's not a very big running back, but he's very talented.

Question: What will the Buccaneers need to do to beat the Packers on Sunday?

Mike Alstott: It's a big game! It's a division game, but we're not really going to change a whole lot. We're gonna run the football and pass, and not do too much different. We're just going to go out there on Sunday and have a good time!

Question: What "motivates" you to give a 100 percent effort every Sunday?

Mike Alstott: The love of the game. I always dreamed of being here. I get to enjoy being a kid again in some ways. Sitting behind a desk just isn't it for me!

Question: Do you enjoy running up the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield more?

Mike Alstott: It's just such a great opportunity to be where I am. Both the same. I enjoy the whole game... running, blocking and catching. whatever's there for me, I take it to heart. I don't have individual goals. My individual goal is a team goal.

Question: How did you like playing at Purdue?

Mike Alstott: I enjoyed it a lot. They were the best 4 years of my life. There's a lot of great people there. My career there was successful. College is about the people you meet. I have friends for life from my time there. I know all the seniors on the team there, and some of the freshman, and their hard work is paying off for them now.

Question: What makes Trent Dilfer a grat quarterback in your opinion?

Mike Alstott: He's grown up this year. He doesn't have to compete with the Theisman's and Montana's. He can just go out there and play. He's leading out team.

Question: Who is the most "intense" player on the Buccaneers?

Mike Alstott: A lot of the players are intense, but probably Hardy Nickerson. He's very motivated, but he's been in the league for 10 years now. He shows it emotionally. He's a very intense person and probably one of the biggest leaders on the team.

Question: Hi Mike. My name is Matt, I'm 12 years old. I enjoyed watching you play for Purdue. Did you ever think you would get drafted and do well in the NFL when you were in high school ?

Mike Alstott: I had the vision and the dream, but I never thought it would be so fast. but that's why I worked so hard. I felt I had a future in it, and my heart was in it, so I always thought I might have a chance to make it in the NFL.

Question: Who was your favorite football player when you were a kid?

Mike Alstott: John Riggins. He's just a hard nosed player. He worked hard and gave everything he had. he gave a lot of second and third efforts.

Question: Describe what is was like to score that touchdown with three guys trying to tackle you when you faced the Vikings earlier this season?

Mike Alstott: I just let my instincts kick in and next thing I knew I was just pushing them backwards. It's very special to get in the end zone in the NFL, and if there's one that sticks out it's the longest one yard run.

Question: Do the Buccaneers have the talent to be in the SuperBowl this year?

Mike Alstott: Yes I believe so! We're a big team that strives on preparation. If we can go out and execute and do what we've been doing all year, we believe we can do it. We've got the right coaches and the right philosophy, so I think we'll do it. But anybody can win.

Question: Mike, do you find it a fine line between having enough weight to bulldoze and enough speed for the open field?

Mike Alstott: I think so. I proved it with a 47 yard TD against Atlanta! You don't use all your speed until you get to the open field.

Question: What do you have to say to the "critics" who say that the Buccaneers can't win under cold conditions?

Mike Alstott: It's just a statistic about the old Bucaneers. We thrive on being the underdogs. But we don't even think about that, really. We just stay focused.

Question: Does the prospect of facing Reggie White and Gilbert Brown "intimidate" you?

Mike Alstott: No. They're great players, very talented, but every week we go against great talent. If you're scared or intimidated you're just defeating yourself.

Question: What team do you hate to play against?

Mike Alstott: I don't hate any team. You have to play everyone at a certain time, one year or another. Games that you really get up for are the NFC Central games.

Question: Let's have fun - what's the wildest thing you did at Purdue?

Mike Alstott: The wildest thing?? Lemme think about this... I'm a social guy. I like to go out and meet people. Nothing too crazy.

Question: I just wanted to tell you You are doing a great job this year. Keep it up and you guys will go all the way! Bye!

Mike Alstott: Thank you!

Question: what do plan on doing after football?

Mike Alstott: I take it day by day, week by week. I hope to play 12-15 years in the League, but maybe one day I'll just raise my family (when I have a family) and fish a lot.

Question: Do you like Berman's nickname for you "Your in Good Hands with Alstott"?

Mike Alstott: To be on Berman's good side is worth something! When he gives me praise, it's what the NFL is all about.

Question: How much can you bench?

Mike Alstott: At one time my max was 465. That was in college. We did a lot of power lifting then. We do different kinds of workouts now.

Question: Mike, What do you think about coach Tiller and his bowl-bound Boilermakers? My parents both graduated from Purdue too.

Mike Alstott: I'm proud of everyone there. I couldn't be happier for the seniors there. They had a great year and they made a lot of people proud across the country.

Question: What's the game plan against Green Bay this coming week?

Mike Alstott: Same as every week. Throw the ball, shut down their offense, and hold the ball!

Question: Mike, what do you like to do in your free time, and what is something the average fan doesn't know about you?

Mike Alstott: I like to fish a lot, hang out with my friends and have a good time. I golf too!

Question: Mike, what do you do to stay in shape in the off-season, and how do you train regularly?

Mike Alstott: I lift weights all the time, and do a lot of different drills. I run a lot. I try to stay in tune with what we do now but I do a lot more weight training in the off season. I work out about 5-6 days a week then.

Question: What is Coach Dungy like on and off the field?

Mike Alstott: He's a players coach. He's highly respected among his players and he respects his players just as much. He doesn't raise his voice, and he has full control of his team.

Question: What has Tony Dungy done to turn this franchise into a playoff contender for the future?

Mike Alstott: We believe in his philosophy.

Question: Who is the funniest teammate and do you have any stories?

Mike Alstott: Kenny Gant. He's a team clown...he's always pulling jokes, getting people to laugh. Anything that comes out of his mouth is so hilarious. He could have a future as a comedian!

Question: Do you follow any other sports and who is your favorite athlete to watch?

Mike Alstott: I follow a lot of sports. I grew up playing baseball as well as football. I really enjoyed Carlton Fisk. And Michael Jordan. He does everything by the book and when he's on the court he's giving 150%.

Question: Do you think of yourself as a role model?

Mike Alstott: Yes. I think everyone who is involved in professional sports should be a positive role model for youth. A lot of my charities are for youth organizations. I do a lot of stuff with Boys and Girls Clubs. I had my first football camp this summer, and this year there were about 100 kids there!

Question: What advice can you give me as a highschool backer?

Mike Alstott: Work hard. Give it all. Do your school work and get good grades, because going onto collegiate sports takes a lot. Take care of all of the areas, not just sports.

Question: How do you like it in hot Tampa?

Mike Alstott: It's not hot right now! And, no, I don't miss shoveling driveways. I get to go outside in shorts and t-shirts all year round. I miss a lot of people up north. But I'm having fun here.

Question: Do you think more athletes in "general" should participate in chat sessions like this over the Internet?

Mike Alstott: Yes! I have my own computer and chat with my friends, and I enjoy it a lot! It's a great thing to learn about.

Question: What are your impressions about what Latrell Sprewell did?

Mike Alstott: My experience being around coaches is you should treat them with respect. They put a lot into believing in you.

Question: Mike I think you're a great role model for kids like me. Thanks,from Matt. By the way, where is your football camp and can you give us some info on it?

Mike Alstott: You can call the Bucs office and get more information there. The main number is 813-870-2700.

Question: Who do you think should win the Heisman?

Mike Alstott: Manning or Woodson. There's a lot of people who would be good! Unfortunately, there's only one person who can get it! Woodson's more versatile, I think.

Question: What year is your jeep and do you have places where you can go four-wheeling?

Mike Alstott: No. Unless they let me on the beach. But, I don't think so! I have an '88 Wrangler.

Question: Was it difficult to have a cordial relationship with the media in the locker room after the game?

Mike Alstott: No! I have a lot friends in the media. I get along with all the reporters. You can actually have a lot of fun with them!

Question: Any AFC predictions this year? Assuming Tampa takes the NFC...

Mike Alstott: Probably the Broncos They're the hottest team right now.

Question: You're alright dude. Good luck the rest of the year.

Mike Alstott: Thank you so much!

Question: It's quite refreshing to hear an athlete admit his influence matters and takes it seriously. Thank you for coming to Tampa, and I hope you are here for a long time.

Mike Alstott: I hope I'm here for a long time to. I appreciate that!

Question: Describe what it would be like to play on "Monday Night Football" in the future?

Mike Alstott: That's undescribable. My teammates who've been there say the atmosphere is incredible.

Question: What is you most important job as a fullback?

Mike Alstott: A fullback has a lot of responsibilities. It's very physical. You have to block 250 pound linebackers.

ChatHost: That wraps up our live chat with Mike Alstott!

Mike Alstott: I want to thank everyone for being online and chatting with me and I hope to see you all back here again in the future!

ChatHost: Mike thanks for joining us tonight!

Mike Alstott: Thanks for inviting me. It was a lot of fun!

ChatHost: Thanks for joining us tonight everyone!