School: Joliet Catholic, 1992.
Position: Fullback.
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Alstott, a five-time Pro Bowler, is regarded as the NFL’s best all-around fullback and is a driving force behind the 7-2 Buccaneers’ quest for their first Super Bowl berth. He holds the team record for career touchdowns with 55, including 44 rushing. Alstott was a first-team Tribune All-State selection as a senior at Joliet Catholic after rushing for 2,051 yards and 29 touchdowns. He led the Hilltoppers to a state title as a junior. He was Purdue’s all-time leading rusher and was the team’s most valuable player in three different seasons. He was selected in the second round of the 1996 NFL draft.
Do you think this Bucs team is the best you’ve been around?
“Personnel-wise, we’re talented across the board. We have such talented veterans, and coach [Jon] Gruden is the perfect fit for us. He was exactly what we needed.”
What made Joliet Catholic so appealing to you?
“The tradition. My brother went there and we went to games all the time. I saw that tradition, that winning edge. It was a great atmosphere.”
What do you think of Chris Berman’s nickname for you: Mike “You’re in Good Hands With” Alstott?
“I like it. I think it’s a sign of respect.”
Any kinship with Bucs teammate Simeon Rice, a fellow Catholic school player at Mt. Carmel?
“Oh, we talk all the time. We played [Mt. Carmel] in my senior year. I always say we got the best of him. We were trailing 24-6 with six minutes left, and we won the game 37-31 in two overtimes. I always say that I ran around his end for the winning touchdown.”
What is your dream play?
“It has to be a situation on the goal line with me scoring the touchdown to win the Super Bowl.”
