'A-Train' May Have Made His Last Stop In Tampa Katherine Smith, The Tampa Tribune, published 8 January 2006 Mike Alstott left the Bucs' locker room Saturday night in tears, perhaps because it was for the final time. Though he said a decision on his future would come at a later date, Alstott's emotions and the fact he talked in the past tense seemed to indicate the six-time Pro Bowl fullback has played his final game as a Buccaneer. "I've had a great year and I felt like I got back to the point that I had my first eight years of my career," Alstott said. "The decision will be made. I don't know when, but it's been fun." The previous two seasons weren't fun for Alstott, who battled back from a serious neck injury and watched his role on offense reduced significantly. This season, however, Alstott enjoyed something of a rebirth. He restructured his contract in the offseason and took a pay cut so he could help the Bucs right the ship after back-to-back losing seasons. Though not as involved on offense as he was earlier in his career, Alstott finished the season with six rushing touchdowns, the same number as rookie sensation Cadillac Williams. In Saturday's 17-10 loss to Washington, Alstott carried the ball four times for 15 yards and also caught one pass for 7 yards. "He's always giving me tips. He's just a good guy," Williams said. "Whether or not it was his last game or it's a year or two down the road, it's going to be tough to see him go." For selfish reasons, Alstott's teammates hope Saturday's game wasn't the end of the line for the "A-Train." Fans want him back, too. One of the many Alstott signs at Saturday's game read, "Mike, We Love You Man. Long Live the A-Train." "There's no question he's still got it, but he's got to do what's best for him," offensive lineman Todd Steussie said. "I've seen a lot of guys retire for different reasons. If it's time, then he knows it and I totally respect it, but he's fun to have as a teammate. And I know the whole locker room would like to have him back." Like he has after every home game this season, Alstott returned to the Raymond James Stadium field with his family. He held the football while son Griffin attempted a field goal, and then threw the ball to Griffin in the end zone, all while Alstott's wife, Nicole, looked on and cheered. After they were done, the trio walked off the field, hand-in-hand, then climbed into a golf cart and rode off. "Mike is the Buccaneers," cornerback Ronde Barber said. "I don't think that anybody can ever look at Mike Alstott and not think Buccaneers. If it is [his last game], I can't say. I don't want to say, but it's been a pleasure."