Just Like 'Old Times' The Tampa Tribune, published 14 November 2005 Asked to describe his feelings following the Bucs' come-from-behind 36-35 victory over Washington, Mike Alstott nearly choked up when he answered. "Old times," he said. It was just like old times for the six-time Pro Bowl fullback, who scored two touchdowns and the game-winning 2-point conversion. "Other than the Super Bowl, it's the ultimate," Alstott said. "Individually, it's one of the greatest moments of my career here. It is the greatest moment of my career." Not bad for a player who had become almost an afterthought. Entering Sunday's game, Alstott was averaging three touches a game. Earlier this week, when pressed about Alstott's lack of involvement, Coach Jon Gruden seemed bothered by the questions, but hinted that the 10-year veteran would be more involved against Washington. And he was. Alstott carried nine times and caught one pass for a combined 39 yards. "He's like Gale Sayers," quarterback Chris Simms said. "Give him 6 inches and he'll run over everybody else." "He's a special guy," right tackle Kenyatta Walker said. "I don't care what anybody says -- 'he's old, he's what?' -- he still makes plays. He's still a great player and you've got to get him some touches." Walker led the way for Alstott on the 2-point conversion. The play, called 14 Blast, was "right behind my butt," Walker said. Alstott, unaware the team was going for the win instead of a game-tying extra point attempt, was sitting on the bench. "My running backs coach was going berserk, going 'where the heck are you?' " he said. "I ran out there and at that time, there's no time to think. Once I got in and [fullback] Jameel Cook was on top of me and the rest of the team, I just closed my eyes and basically thanked the Lord." After seeing Washington linebacker LaVar Arrington out of the corner of his eye, Alstott decided to run low for the two points, instead of leaping over the pile, as he did on his touchdown runs. "I just figured, hey, it's my number, I've got to make it happen," he said. He made a lot happen Sunday, when his contributions were necessary because starting tailback Cadillac Williams was held to 20 yards rushing on 10 carries, the third consecutive game Williams has had fewer than 30 yards. Alstott had an inkling he would be more involved because he got more reps at practice during the week. Despite his increased touches Sunday, he still remains realistic about his role with the team. "I know those days [of touching the ball a lot] aren't here no more," he said. "I'm going to be in that fullback role and occasionally carry the ball in some situations and just have to produce and make some plays. I know I'm not going to carry the ball 20 times, 15 times." Long after the stands had cleared, as he's done after every home game this season, Alstott and his family returned to the football field. For several minutes, Alstott threw the ball around with son Griffin and daughters Hannah and Lexie, while his wife, Nicole, looked on. "I know my career's coming to an end," Alstott said. "I don't know when. It could be this year, could be next year. There's not much longer. To experience that with my family, we go down after the game and I play ball with my son and my kids. This is what Daddy does and it's special."