Alstott relieved after taking first hit since neck surgery

Aug. 2, 2004
SportsLine.com wire reports

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For Mike Alstott, putting on the pads and taking the first hit was the easy part.

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Talking about how it felt to be back in the mix for the first time since undergoing surgery for a career-threatening neck injury was more difficult.

The six-time Pro Bowl fullback's voice cracked with emotion Monday, but his message was strong. He's not only back, but confident he can still be a productive player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I've always said if I couldn't play like myself, I'd retire," Alstott said. "After today, there's no question."

Alstott has not played since getting hit on top of his head during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts last Oct. 6. He temporarily lost feeling in his legs and experienced a stinging sensation in his arms that night, and had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck a month later.

He vowed he would return, then rehabbed diligently during the offseason to make it happen. The 30-year-old was so excited about the first full contact drill of training camp that he dressed and made his way to the practice field more than a half-hour early.

"I guess the thing I was looking for -- not for myself, but for the coaching staff - was how aggressive I was going to be, if I would be able to hit the hole and lead block, and if I was going to go in there and get some good contact," Alstott said.

"Today was a big relief off my shoulders. ... I haven't had the ultimate hit yet, but it'll come."

In eight pro seasons, Alstott has rushed for 4,607 yards and scored a team-record 59 touchdowns. The Bucs struggled in short-yardage situations without him and also missed his receiving skills.

It's unclear how a healthy Alstott would fit into coach Jon Gruden's offense this season. The 248-pound fullback has always been a better runner than blocker, and the Bucs have a deep group of running backs that includes offseason acquisition Charlie Garner and incumbent starter Michael Pittman.

With Pittman facing a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, there's a chance Alstott, who has averaged 3.8 yards per carry during his career, could play a bigger role in the rushing attack.

"I have never backed down from any carry, any time," Alstott said. "I would carry it 50 times a game. I've always said that."

Gruden liked what he saw Monday.

"Pads, shorts, no matter how we practice, it's good to have him around," Gruden said. "He's just got to regain his rhythm as a football player."

Alstott, whose problem with his neck began when he banged his head into receiver Joe Jurevicius' knee against Carolina last Sept. 14, said he never seriously considered retirement. He and his wife had numerous discussions about his future, but the fullback's passion for the game wouldn't let him walk away.

"If it was a situation where she had the final word, I probably wouldn't be playing," Alstott said. "But she knows how much I love it. My family knows how much I love it."