He isn't just a Tampa Bay Buc legend, he's an NFL legend. He deserves the same respect as Jerome Bettis and Shaun Alexander. Possibly the most underrated player ever.
"I dont really know what a fullback is" Much as the Tight end is the bastard spawn of a lineman and a wide receiver, the fullback is the angry bastard spawn of a lineman and a running back
That's not actually true. Fullback are called fullback because they would line up fully back (behind the line); halfback (halfway) and quarterback (quarterway). Fullbacks were always a "running" back; actually they originally, originally, were the punter in the days of cave painting. It wasn't until modern formations that fullbacks were positioned ahead of the tailback (the tail of the 'I') and became predominately blockers.
@@cjohnson3836 well to be the overly snarky pedantic piece of shit in this argument, he asked for "Is" not "was" :D But yeah you're absolutely right otherwise
More like when you're too fat and slow to be a wide receiver you become a tight end and when you're too fat and slow to be a tailback you become a fullback
Regrettably, the style of play that requires a back like Alstott is out of fashion at the moment. The power running game, led by big physical offensive lines and bruising running backs, is considered "boring" by many, including most casual fans of the game. To a purist, the perfect drive (absent of factors like the need to come from behind late in the game with little time remaining), is a relentless, methodical, 80 yard, 16 play, 9 minute march... all running plays, none longer than 6-7 yards. The opposing offense gets stale and tight. The opposing defense gets physically beaten up and demoralized. The opposing coach gets frustrated. And when it's working, there is absolutely no adjustment to be made without leaving the pass wide open. To old school football people, such a drive is a symphony to watch.
The cowboys ravens and Titans still are power running teams. With zeke, Gus edwards, and Henry. All of which are about the same size as Mike, with Henry being bigger than him.
EnlightenPanda Maybe so. Admittedly, I don't follow the pro game as closely as I used to. All I know is that I haven't seen a drive like the one I described above in a long, long time. It hasn't happened since quarterbacks stopped playing under center.
@Kush Rao theres other runs where he would just run over people. He just doesn't take the stupid hits. Like going out of bounds and lowering your head for no reason etc.
While i enjoy this style of play (my Cowboys follow a similar offensive playstyle) it's statistically proven to be a less effective/efficient way of playing so i can't blame teams for going away from it. Real fans like us can appreciate it though.
I’m a huge Bucs fan and Alstott is one of my favorite players of all time. I have tons of Alstott memorabilia in my man cave. I had the pleasure of watching his entire career and got to see him play in Tampa many times.
Fullbacks are traditionally used as a lead blocker for a tailback/halfback, however usually in short yardage or misdirection plays they can tote the rock.
@@austingaston1133 He is right about the definition of Fullback. Dont hold up an exception to the traditional Fullback role as an example of the role. It really doesnt make you look informed.
They're also used as receivers. The role of FB has changed over time. Traditionally they did a little bit of everything. Lead blocking, inside power running and catching the ball. As time has gone on, they've stopped carrying the ball as much and concentrate more on lead blocking. If the FB has decent hands they'll throw him some passes. Very rarely in modern football do you see a Mike Alstott type FB that get's a lot of carries anymore.
Another way to put it might be a full back is similar to a tight end in that he's a athletic big guy and can block handle the ball. If you are (where) a Madden football fan you might notice that if there's no full back on your roster, they always slot a TE there.
What a great player, miss this style of football. Unless you were a fan of a team in his division, he was a player that you would watch even though he wasn’t on your team.
the difference between traditional RBs and FBs?.... about 30-40lbs. old school FBs were often the sledgehammer used to open breaches for the RBs. Alstott was an exception, he breached the line himself!
He was what, 250lbs less than 5% body fat.... he was big.... i remember reading his stats in SI, but rarely got to watch his games.... Browns, Steelers and Bengals took all the tv time in the area i live in. So it was hard to keep up with them. I think that was during the time Jamal Anderson ran for the Falcons also.... didnt get to see too many of his games either, very disappointed about the football i missed back then... thank god for internet and streaming, only if they had it back when football was great!
@Brandon Busbey Can someone explain to me why in the NFL bodyfat is rated so low? Like, there's no way he was at 5%. That's what IFBB/Mr. Olympia are on stage. You can't physically perform at that low of a percentage. The guy probably got to like 8-12% max.
Alstott was a great runner. Power and agility combined and his speed wasn’t bad for a guy his size. Part of his early training regimen was pushing his Jeep around a parking lot. Part of his success though was the combination of him and Warrick Dunn, a small, nimble and fast tailback who could get lost in the scrum and explode through the narrowest gaps. Also, having coaches that believed in the “pound the rock” style of play. It was an amazing combination to watch.
He has those eyes that see everything that is happening 7 yards in front of him. His reaction time to all of the folks putting their arms around him to the time they fall by the wayside is usually 2.2 seconds. His natural low center of gravity makes him nearly unstoppable. He should be in Canton as the last pure Fullback. Now they just call them for what they are, blocking backs.
Alstott was amazing at putting his hand down to keep his knees up while running. He could run with a really low center of gravity with speed. He was deadly in a one on one situation because he was so hard to bring down. One of my favorite backs ever!!
A-Train was an NFL class act with heart and talent to match! Always enjoyable to re-visit his awesome career... he is a guy who can, merely with his actions and words, lift your overall view of life and leave you wanting to do more for others around you! His excellence has had a way of making one want to do better.
Fullbacks were widely used to do all things, Block, Run, receive passes. The game used to be running centric- ground and pound type offense, that changed prior to 2010 with rule changes and the focus on the passing game. Fullbacks were typically heavier and more stout than other running backs and that is why they were so effective in short yardage situations, pass blocking, lead blocking plays where power, speed and weight (~250 lbs) make a huge difference. Check out other fullbacks like Jerome Bettis, John Riggins and Larry Csonka. Thanks for posting.
The A Train was EVERY Polynesian kid's idol growing up in the States. Even lineman wanted to play fullback because of Mike Alstott. Such a legend and never was a FB like him after that.
I'm from Joliet Illinois. I went to JCA'S hated Crosstown rival Providence Catholic. Mike was a senior the year I was a freshman. That man-child even during his teenage years was an absolute Beast! Good show sir!
Alstott up the gut! Fullback is typically a bulkier back that if it is used, are often blockers. The Patriots use a fullback in their offense, James Develin, and he is utilized for runs and short passes occasionally, but he is also a fantastic blocker. Alstott unfortunately hasn't been elected to the HoF yet, but he really should be inducted.
Late to the party, but Mike Altsott was used in a way rarely ever seen. He could block. He was used as a lead blocker often. He could pass block. He would stay in the pocket and chip anyone blitzing. He could catch the ball. Often he would come off the snap, chip into a rusher, then peel off to the sideline, or in front of the line for a check down. And as this video showed, he could run many different run plays effectively. His heart cannot be understated. This man broke his neck in game, and returned the following season. I became a Bucs fan the year before he was drafted. In many dark seasons, he was a light. Glad others can enjoy his specific brand of football.
Fullbacks are typically used for blocking, power plays (running), the occasional pass, and play obfuscation. I almost always played Nose on the defensive line, so fullbacks were my sworn lifelong enemies. 😄
"up the gut, Mike Alstott" was probably the most spoken phrase by commentators during a tampa bay game back then lol. a straight savage on the field and the nicest guy off of it.
This man was my idol and inspiration growing up. I would have never tried so hard at playing the game if it wasn’t for him. Hands damn one of the best to ever do it.
That whole Bucs team was great. The tailback in that same backfield with Alstott was great, Warrick Dunn. But that team was carried by defense led by the immortal Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, "Booger" McFarland, Ronde Barber and John Lynch. They should make a doc about that defense. They are WAAAAAY underrated in NFL history.
Love the game when its around FB and RBs so enjoyable to see them truck through. Also, Alstott seems like one of the nicest people, give you the shirt off their back people. That interview he was just greatful for the chance the whole time. Man is humbling as hell.
Jim brown, who many say is the greatest player ever was a fullback. Fullback is to running back like a tight end is to a wide receiver. But fullback is a dying breed
When Jim Brown played, fullback was the primary ball carrier from backfield. Halfbacks were lined closer to the line almost like modern day wingbacks, as fullback was "full distance" back from line of scrimmage. Halfbacks were half distance away and quarterbacks the quarter of the offensive formations distance from line of scrimmage. The formations usually had three players in the backfield, one tight end and one receiver.
Maybe Larry Czonka was the same type. He was once flagged for unnecessary roughness ... while carrying the ball. He smacked a defender on top of the helmet with his fist, and sent him a little wonky...
This is the first time I have seen this guy on the internet. Once he mentioned Alstott, my mind instantly went to Earl Campbell, "The Tyler Rose". My brother-in-law played with him in college. When he was in college, he sat down with me for a half hour talking football when I was 12 years old. I felt like I was the most important person in his life at that time. Although I completely despise the university of texas, I will always love that guy.
I'm from Tampa and also a rugby player. Alstott was a machine and brought great pride to the community. And he's a good guy. It's like what Jonah Lomu did for the All Blacks.
He was my hero when I would play street football and the neighborhood kids knew to get the hell out of my way or come get some pain. We had EMT's on site every sunday
John “The Diesel” Riggins, Redskins great and a real character. Not sure if you’ve checked him out yet, but he’s great and retired near the top all time. He’s another power back.
I miss a guy like Alstott. Just played with all-heart, something I feel is missing so much from the sport now. Just a straight up bruiser that had the will to keep his legs churning.
Mike was the best of both world, body of a fullback and the talent of a runningback and was used both ways. It's criminal that he isn't in the hall of fame.
These are his scoring plays. I lived in tampa and watched a ton of bad games but he was a staple. The guy was as good at clearing blocks for backs like warrick dunn( dude has a ln unreal backstory and at 5'9" would blow ur mind) this was a great tandem.
4 года назад+1
It was an absolute honor to have Mike play here...
This was so much fun watching you watch my favorite player. I think there are several thing to take note. Alstott was never list as the 1st string runner. He also shared the backfield early on with Warick Dunn. Who was a great back as well. So he never had the same amount of touches as a Payton or emmit smith. He lead block quite often and was never considered a elite blocker. But he was productive. He had great hands and was reliable as a drop of pass when nothing else was available. What is incredible is he did this with those huge shoulder pads. As a fan, this one player could ignite the home stadium with a 1 yard run like no other, I do believe with him not being a 1st string back he was able to play longer than had he been allowed. Also, after the Superbowl the next season, he injured his neck a herniated disk requiring surgery. He play several more seasons until he re injured his neck again at summer camp. I got him to sign a Trowback Bucs jersey days before this happened. He also is a better person off the field as well. Sorry one more thing. I berlieve early on Mike was on a local show and mention something about his arm or elbow having sometype of issues. Early on he had issues holding onto the ball. And teams went at him like crazy trying to expose this. I remember a Kansas city game were he fumbled 5 times all turn overs. After having these issues, you can watch him NOT changing the ball when getting near contact or sidelines. You usually want to move it to the side of the sideline. But he would just keep it tucked away in his main arm. Just something I noticed.
I remember a run he had, he ran over three dudes and the safety pulled up because he wasn't going to catch him. Mike points at him and then goes out of his way to truck the poor safety
Alstott had such a unique way of initiating contact that was undeniably effective. I think that was part of the reason he was so good, he dictated the way you would contact him and had the balance and power to ensure that a large portion of the time he could slip that contact and keep going. Despite the changes in today's game, I think he would be just as effective today.
There's so many reacting to football channels out there. I've been watching your channel basically from the beginning and yours is by far the best. I'm happy to see your knowledge of our game is growing and that you're really appreciating the game
I am a huge Tampa Bay buccaneers fan and he is my favorite player. I really miss watching his amazing runs over the years. Such a great player and a humble man!
Fun fact about Mike Alstott. One of the thing he did to gain power and explosiveness in college. He would stap on a harness connected to his Wrangler and do wind sprints up and down the practice field.
Do you remember that hit between Okoye and a hard hitting safety? Can't remember his name, maybe Atwater? Epic! CO "The Nigerian Nightmare" was every linebackers nightmare for awhile there.
Corey Cooper Yes, it was Steve Atwater. First and only time I recall Okoye being stopped in his tracks, and it was a strong safety that did it. Atwater could flat out hit.
As the old coach used to say, "This guy is a BEAST. You aren't going to arm-tackle or shoulder bump him. You've got to go low, put your shoulder in his waist and wrap him up with your arms. You go high on this guy and you can wave goodbye as he runs over you."
Alstott was super under rated when it came to his speed, dude had some wheels. If you like his freight train style of running, you gotta watch some Earl Campbell highlights.
Alstott was a unique player. He was a power running back in college. So he was used to carrying the load for his team. When the Bucs drafted him as mentioned in the video he transitioned to fullback. Which as others have mentioned is usually a blocking or short yardage position. But Mike had skills that few other true fullbacks possessed. He was a great receiver out of the backfield and when the game called for it he could be the lead back in the offense which he was in many games. His best seasons were probably those where he was paired in the Bucs backfield with Warrick Dunn and they formed the Thunder and Lightning or WD-40 backfield in Tampa. It was a great time to be a Buc fan when Mike was on the team. If the team needed a yard and Mike was in the backfield you knew they were going to get it. Also you knew game in and game out Mike was going to give his all. Great player. After he retired he remained in the Tampa area and he owns several restaurants and is also a high school football coach.
His mother was one of my teachers in the 8th grade back in 1995!!! She would blush when we compared him to Jerome Bettis, but we didn't get any better grades.
Rumblin, bunbiln, stumblin. It was always exciting when big Mike got handed the ball - you knew he was gonna make guys miss and he was going to run thru the next guy. His love for the game was infectious and we still see a lot of 40 jerseys at games. The NFL has phased out the half back position for the most part and watching Alstott it is hand to understand why. I was at the game when Mike was added to the Bucs ring of honor. Guys like Mike, Shawn King, Chris Sims, Warrick Dunn, Warren Sapp, John Lynch are why I am a bucs fan.
2004 highschool senior football I trained an entire summer powerlifting/ full uniform treadmill running, drills and tackling forklift tires. My goal was to never go down and drag whoever held on. I had never watched a pro game, but like Mike said, it was instinctual to play power back style. It paid off for me that season big time! The coaches wanted up to be a “passing” team but I was so dominant in power style that they changed our game plan to support me. A lot of epic moments:) I wish Power football would come back.
Tampa bay fan here. We were living in tampa during that super bowl run and found my self at the only raider party in town for the game. Face paint running everywhere. You were right about Gruden being the raiders coach too though. In fact Barbara was recorded saying " it was like we had their playbook" after the game. We got grudge that year and then faced his defense in the superbowl. They probly would have beat any team that year but facing Oakland that day was just too perfect. There were so many pro bowlers on that team!
This man used to seek out the contact. He would just look for anybody to run over. Fullbacks are always bigger than rb's..thats why Atrain and others are able to to the hits and stay up.
I had the privilege of watching Alstott play for Purdue. It was great times. And then a few years after Alsott left a fellow named Drew Brees came along. Good times in West Lafayette back in the 90s.
As a fellow rugby player, but a fan of old school football, ill try to make an analogy you'll appreciate. Mike Alstott is a one man maul. His run against the cleveland browns was the definition of legendary.
“In the days before two platoons, the fullback was usually the team's punter and drop kicker.[2] When at the beginning of the 20th century, a penalty was introduced for hitting the opposing kicker after a kick, the foul was at first called "running into the fullback", inasmuch as the deepest back usually did the kicking.[3] Before the emergence of the T-formation in the 1940s, most teams used four offensive backs, lined up behind the offensive line, on every play: a quarterback, two halfbacks, and a fullback. The quarterback began each play a quarter of the way "back" behind the offensive line, the halfbacks began each play side by side and halfway "back" behind the offensive line, and the fullback began each play the farthest "back" behind the offensive line. Each offensive back was known by a position name that described his relative distance behind the offensive line. As the quarterback was typically the offensive back who first touched the ball after the snap, quarterbacks were the offensive back most likely to pass the ball, although any eligible player may do so. As the game evolved and alternate formations came in and out of fashion, halfbacks (reduced to typically just one rather than two) emerged as the offensive back most likely to run the ball, although, again, any eligible player may do so. "Halfback" came to be synonymous with "running back". Fullbacks were primarily used as blocking backs with only occasional ball carrying duties. As formations began to favor placing the blocking back ahead of/ closer to the line of scrimmage than the running back, these blocking backs retained the name "fullback" even though they were closer to the offensive line than the halfback. "Fullback" became a misnomer, and the term "halfback" declined in usage, replaced variously with the more descriptive term "tailback" or the generic term "running back". In the modern game, when the quarterback is under center, the fullback most often lines up directly behind the quarterback and in front of the halfback or tailback. The fullback position has seen a decline in recent time, with only 17 full-time fullbacks playing in 2016. The trend can be traced back to teams choosing to pass more, the use of "11 personnel" (one running back and one tight end), and the use of hybrid “H-backs”.” en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fullback_(gridiron_football)#History
I love your vids man. So cool to see your reaction because you have never seen guys like this play. Living in the us where all my friends and I know all about this stuff it’s so cool to watch your reaction to these guys. Alstott was a beast and was a protypical fullback. He was insane.
He isn't just a Tampa Bay Buc legend, he's an NFL legend. He deserves the same respect as Jerome Bettis and Shaun Alexander. Possibly the most underrated player ever.
Couldn't agree more!
Yup I recently told someone that asked who is compared to marshawn I’d say no one but I’d say if the a train was a rb I’d go there
Shaun Alexander shouldn’t be a legend, I have Marshawn Lynch is the true legendary seahawk running back
Absolutely agree. Badass full back!
Robert Newsome, Dallas Cowboys
"I dont really know what a fullback is"
Much as the Tight end is the bastard spawn of a lineman and a wide receiver, the fullback is the angry bastard spawn of a lineman and a running back
i love that description and with all this high paced offence i wanna see them make a comeback
Some odd shit has to happen in the locker room for that to happen
That's not actually true. Fullback are called fullback because they would line up fully back (behind the line); halfback (halfway) and quarterback (quarterway). Fullbacks were always a "running" back; actually they originally, originally, were the punter in the days of cave painting. It wasn't until modern formations that fullbacks were positioned ahead of the tailback (the tail of the 'I') and became predominately blockers.
@@cjohnson3836 well to be the overly snarky pedantic piece of shit in this argument, he asked for "Is" not "was" :D
But yeah you're absolutely right otherwise
More like when you're too fat and slow to be a wide receiver you become a tight end and when you're too fat and slow to be a tailback you become a fullback
As a guy who was born and grew up in Tampa, I loved watching this guy every Sunday! A-Train was a beast, and an awesome human being off the field.
The Warrick Dunn - Mike Alstott backfield combo was one of the sickest in league history.
Regrettably, the style of play that requires a back like Alstott is out of fashion at the moment.
The power running game, led by big physical offensive lines and bruising running backs, is considered "boring" by many, including most casual fans of the game.
To a purist, the perfect drive (absent of factors like the need to come from behind late in the game with little time remaining), is a relentless, methodical, 80 yard, 16 play, 9 minute march... all running plays, none longer than 6-7 yards.
The opposing offense gets stale and tight. The opposing defense gets physically beaten up and demoralized. The opposing coach gets frustrated. And when it's working, there is absolutely no adjustment to be made without leaving the pass wide open.
To old school football people, such a drive is a symphony to watch.
The cowboys ravens and Titans still are power running teams. With zeke, Gus edwards, and Henry. All of which are about the same size as Mike, with Henry being bigger than him.
EnlightenPanda
Maybe so. Admittedly, I don't follow the pro game as closely as I used to.
All I know is that I haven't seen a drive like the one I described above in a long, long time. It hasn't happened since quarterbacks stopped playing under center.
@Kush Rao theres other runs where he would just run over people. He just doesn't take the stupid hits. Like going out of bounds and lowering your head for no reason etc.
@@kentgrady9226 watch Zeke. He plays like mike. He's the guy you guys would love. Always trying to run someone over every play.
While i enjoy this style of play (my Cowboys follow a similar offensive playstyle) it's statistically proven to be a less effective/efficient way of playing so i can't blame teams for going away from it. Real fans like us can appreciate it though.
I’m a huge Bucs fan and Alstott is one of my favorite players of all time. I have tons of Alstott memorabilia in my man cave. I had the pleasure of watching his entire career and got to see him play in Tampa many times.
Fullbacks are traditionally used as a lead blocker for a tailback/halfback, however usually in short yardage or misdirection plays they can tote the rock.
That McArn Guy watch saquan Barkley
@@austingaston1133 He is right about the definition of Fullback. Dont hold up an exception to the traditional Fullback role as an example of the role. It really doesnt make you look informed.
They're also used as receivers. The role of FB has changed over time. Traditionally they did a little bit of everything. Lead blocking, inside power running and catching the ball. As time has gone on, they've stopped carrying the ball as much and concentrate more on lead blocking. If the FB has decent hands they'll throw him some passes. Very rarely in modern football do you see a Mike Alstott type FB that get's a lot of carries anymore.
Another way to put it might be a full back is similar to a tight end in that he's a athletic big guy and can block handle the ball. If you are (where) a Madden football fan you might notice that if there's no full back on your roster, they always slot a TE there.
@@USMCArchAngel03 Thats a good observation. Never noticed that until now lol
Imagine Alstott now with the rules against horsecollar tackles and targeting the head. Those were practically the only way anyone could get him down.
Markus R juggernaut
I believe Horse collar tackles have been penalties since Bo Jackson’s career ending horsecoller tackle
@@g2siklofayc
It was made illegal in the early 2000's I believe because of Cowboys safety Roy Williams. I could be wrong though.
biozepp thats not what got Bo...... just a freak deal on a leg tackle
A horse-collar tackle against Terell Owens.
Alstott just did his job. He was listed as a "fullback" on the depth chart but he was utilized as a running back, tight end, and of course, fullback.
He had good hands too
Alstott was a monster for any defense to deal with, total savage. Respect.
Man I miss this style of play and him. A BEAST!!
Football aside he is a great asset to the community. Truly a nice guy.
What a great player, miss this style of football. Unless you were a fan of a team in his division, he was a player that you would watch even though he wasn’t on your team.
the difference between traditional RBs and FBs?.... about 30-40lbs. old school FBs were often the sledgehammer used to open breaches for the RBs. Alstott was an exception, he breached the line himself!
He was what, 250lbs less than 5% body fat.... he was big.... i remember reading his stats in SI, but rarely got to watch his games.... Browns, Steelers and Bengals took all the tv time in the area i live in. So it was hard to keep up with them.
I think that was during the time Jamal Anderson ran for the Falcons also.... didnt get to see too many of his games either, very disappointed about the football i missed back then... thank god for internet and streaming, only if they had it back when football was great!
Brandon Busbey I think that’s what made it great is not seeing everyone’s highlights all the time and watching everyone play
sneakapikachu tru but Sapp blocked for him big time too
@Brandon Busbey Can someone explain to me why in the NFL bodyfat is rated so low? Like, there's no way he was at 5%. That's what IFBB/Mr. Olympia are on stage. You can't physically perform at that low of a percentage. The guy probably got to like 8-12% max.
Larry Czonka and John Riggins were the same type of runners even though they were classified as fullbacks.
Alstott was a great runner. Power and agility combined and his speed wasn’t bad for a guy his size. Part of his early training regimen was pushing his Jeep around a parking lot. Part of his success though was the combination of him and Warrick Dunn, a small, nimble and fast tailback who could get lost in the scrum and explode through the narrowest gaps. Also, having coaches that believed in the “pound the rock” style of play. It was an amazing combination to watch.
He has those eyes that see everything that is happening 7 yards in front of him. His reaction time to all of the folks putting their arms around him to the time they fall by the wayside is usually 2.2 seconds. His natural low center of gravity makes him nearly unstoppable. He should be in Canton as the last pure Fullback. Now they just call them for what they are, blocking backs.
Not sure what was more impressive his yards after contact, or the death grip he had on the ball.
Alstott was amazing at putting his hand down to keep his knees up while running. He could run with a really low center of gravity with speed. He was deadly in a one on one situation because he was so hard to bring down. One of my favorite backs ever!!
A-Train was an NFL class act with heart and talent to match! Always enjoyable to re-visit his awesome career... he is a guy who can, merely with his actions and words, lift your overall view of life and leave you wanting to do more for others around you! His excellence has had a way of making one want to do better.
Fullbacks were widely used to do all things, Block, Run, receive passes. The game used to be running centric- ground and pound type offense, that changed prior to 2010 with rule changes and the focus on the passing game. Fullbacks were typically heavier and more stout than other running backs and that is why they were so effective in short yardage situations, pass blocking, lead blocking plays where power, speed and weight (~250 lbs) make a huge difference. Check out other fullbacks like Jerome Bettis, John Riggins and Larry Csonka. Thanks for posting.
The A Train was EVERY Polynesian kid's idol growing up in the States. Even lineman wanted to play fullback because of Mike Alstott. Such a legend and never was a FB like him after that.
I'm from Joliet Illinois. I went to JCA'S hated Crosstown rival Providence Catholic. Mike was a senior the year I was a freshman. That man-child even during his teenage years was an absolute Beast! Good show sir!
If ever in Clearwater Beach, FL go eat at his fine dining restaurant. It is called Island Way Grill.
Mike Alstott was a badass!!! As Chris Berman used to say "you're in good hands with Alstott
Alstott up the gut!
Fullback is typically a bulkier back that if it is used, are often blockers. The Patriots use a fullback in their offense, James Develin, and he is utilized for runs and short passes occasionally, but he is also a fantastic blocker. Alstott unfortunately hasn't been elected to the HoF yet, but he really should be inducted.
Late to the party, but Mike Altsott was used in a way rarely ever seen.
He could block. He was used as a lead blocker often.
He could pass block. He would stay in the pocket and chip anyone blitzing.
He could catch the ball. Often he would come off the snap, chip into a rusher, then peel off to the sideline, or in front of the line for a check down.
And as this video showed, he could run many different run plays effectively.
His heart cannot be understated. This man broke his neck in game, and returned the following season.
I became a Bucs fan the year before he was drafted. In many dark seasons, he was a light.
Glad others can enjoy his specific brand of football.
Glad this got through. Didn't show in US originally. React to Punter Pat McFee, you won't be disappointed. Crazy guy.
Its McAfee* just so he could type it in right
MY BROTHERS AND I WHERE CHEERING IN LOS ANGELES ROOTING FOR THIS GUY. We tuned in just to watch this guy carry, What a joy it was to watch him play.
Fullbacks are typically used for blocking, power plays (running), the occasional pass, and play obfuscation. I almost always played Nose on the defensive line, so fullbacks were my sworn lifelong enemies. 😄
"up the gut, Mike Alstott" was probably the most spoken phrase by commentators during a tampa bay game back then lol. a straight savage on the field and the nicest guy off of it.
This man was my idol and inspiration growing up. I would have never tried so hard at playing the game if it wasn’t for him. Hands damn one of the best to ever do it.
That whole Bucs team was great. The tailback in that same backfield with Alstott was great, Warrick Dunn. But that team was carried by defense led by the immortal Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, "Booger" McFarland, Ronde Barber and John Lynch. They should make a doc about that defense. They are WAAAAAY underrated in NFL history.
Love the game when its around FB and RBs so enjoyable to see them truck through. Also, Alstott seems like one of the nicest people, give you the shirt off their back people. That interview he was just greatful for the chance the whole time. Man is humbling as hell.
He was a full back and in that video that’s what’s he was used for. The greatest power back of all time 💯 glad you showed us buc fans some love !
Jim brown, who many say is the greatest player ever was a fullback.
Fullback is to running back like a tight end is to a wide receiver. But fullback is a dying breed
When Jim Brown played, fullback was the primary ball carrier from backfield. Halfbacks were lined closer to the line almost like modern day wingbacks, as fullback was "full distance" back from line of scrimmage. Halfbacks were half distance away and quarterbacks the quarter of the offensive formations distance from line of scrimmage. The formations usually had three players in the backfield, one tight end and one receiver.
Pad level and leg drive. He always gets lower and never stops moving his feet. Squares up to contact too.
Good stuff. Miss THAT game
John Riggins is someone else you should check out. A great running back that was also one of the great characters in NFL history.
House. White the at party a at drunk out passes who man a for heart my in place a have always will I
Maybe Larry Czonka was the same type. He was once flagged for unnecessary roughness ... while carrying the ball. He smacked a defender on top of the helmet with his fist, and sent him a little wonky...
Exactly what I was thinking! Riggo was another beast!!
Alstott was a beast, you should check out Earl Campbell played for the Houston Oilers. It would take most of the Defense to bring him down
Earl was a beast with speed.
Earl's worth a watch for sure. Beast and then some.
For those who dont know, the Houston Oilers are now known as the Tennessee Titans
This is the first time I have seen this guy on the internet. Once he mentioned Alstott, my mind instantly went to Earl Campbell, "The Tyler Rose". My brother-in-law played with him in college. When he was in college, he sat down with me for a half hour talking football when I was 12 years old. I felt like I was the most important person in his life at that time. Although I completely despise the university of texas, I will always love that guy.
Hell yeah
I'm from Tampa and also a rugby player. Alstott was a machine and brought great pride to the community. And he's a good guy. It's like what Jonah Lomu did for the All Blacks.
He was my hero when I would play street football and the neighborhood kids knew to get the hell out of my way or come get some pain. We had EMT's on site every sunday
John “The Diesel” Riggins, Redskins great and a real character.
Not sure if you’ve checked him out yet, but he’s great and retired near the top all time. He’s another power back.
That McArn Guy
Also Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. Absolute beast.
Seeing it in person was special. Also the coolest, nicest guy around.
I miss a guy like Alstott. Just played with all-heart, something I feel is missing so much from the sport now. Just a straight up bruiser that had the will to keep his legs churning.
Mike was the best of both world, body of a fullback and the talent of a runningback and was used both ways. It's criminal that he isn't in the hall of fame.
These are his scoring plays. I lived in tampa and watched a ton of bad games but he was a staple. The guy was as good at clearing blocks for backs like warrick dunn( dude has a ln unreal backstory and at 5'9" would blow ur mind) this was a great tandem.
It was an absolute honor to have Mike play here...
This guy is the reason I wear #40 at fullback. Had so much heart and motor
This was so much fun watching you watch my favorite player. I think there are several thing to take note. Alstott was never list as the 1st string runner. He also shared the backfield early on with Warick Dunn. Who was a great back as well. So he never had the same amount of touches as a Payton or emmit smith. He lead block quite often and was never considered a elite blocker. But he was productive. He had great hands and was reliable as a drop of pass when nothing else was available. What is incredible is he did this with those huge shoulder pads. As a fan, this one player could ignite the home stadium with a 1 yard run like no other, I do believe with him not being a 1st string back he was able to play longer than had he been allowed. Also, after the Superbowl the next season, he injured his neck a herniated disk requiring surgery. He play several more seasons until he re injured his neck again at summer camp. I got him to sign a Trowback Bucs jersey days before this happened. He also is a better person off the field as well. Sorry one more thing. I berlieve early on Mike was on a local show and mention something about his arm or elbow having sometype of issues. Early on he had issues holding onto the ball. And teams went at him like crazy trying to expose this. I remember a Kansas city game were he fumbled 5 times all turn overs. After having these issues, you can watch him NOT changing the ball when getting near contact or sidelines. You usually want to move it to the side of the sideline. But he would just keep it tucked away in his main arm. Just something I noticed.
Imagine Tampa Bay's practices. Mike Alstott vs John Lynch. We're lucky we still have a planet to live on.
Or Warren Sapp
@@paulypoobrain2929 Good point, I forgot about that freak of nature.
lol
That was a great time to be a Bucs fan...
Simeon Rice, Derrick Brooks, Lynch, Barber that defense was absolutely insane!!!
Mike was a beast on the field and so friendly out in public if I seen him at a pizza place he was always happy to meet fans
I remember a run he had, he ran over three dudes and the safety pulled up because he wasn't going to catch him. Mike points at him and then goes out of his way to truck the poor safety
Wasnt that against the Bengals?
I think this is so good to watch because its like showing your friend a video that you like and they also like it
Thats pretty much the perfect summary of why I do reactions.
Alstott had such a unique way of initiating contact that was undeniably effective. I think that was part of the reason he was so good, he dictated the way you would contact him and had the balance and power to ensure that a large portion of the time he could slip that contact and keep going. Despite the changes in today's game, I think he would be just as effective today.
He was hard to tackle because of his strength, but he was really slippery too.
There's so many reacting to football channels out there. I've been watching your channel basically from the beginning and yours is by far the best. I'm happy to see your knowledge of our game is growing and that you're really appreciating the game
6:00 if he'd broken that last tackle and scored, that would have been the greatest run of all time.
You ever notice how many of these amazing athletes are humble, grateful guys (I realize many aren't). That always really inspires me.
One of my all-time favorite blue collar backs I've ever seen.
Alstott has a heart bigger than most NFL teams combined. He is a good man. And who doesn't love Gene Deckerhof yelling "ALSTOTT UP THE GUT".
See we told you man! Alstott is a beast!!! One of the best fullbacks of all time, hands down.
I had the privilege of watching Alstott at Purdue University when I was an undergraduate in the early 90's. The man's a beast.
If you want to see a powerful running back, watch Earl Campbell.
exeter1985 he already did earl campell
@@no-gk8px Thanks. My bad. I will definitely look for it. I just found the channel. Thanks again.
I am a huge Tampa Bay buccaneers fan and he is my favorite player. I really miss watching his amazing runs over the years. Such a great player and a humble man!
You should play madden on your channel with your son
I agree
Fun fact about Mike Alstott. One of the thing he did to gain power and explosiveness in college. He would stap on a harness connected to his Wrangler and do wind sprints up and down the practice field.
Mike Alstott's legs were tree trunks. Once he picked up speed, you could only gang tackle him - two players per leg.
Campbell, Czonka, Riggins were the same way.
Not to mention he had a high motor. His legs always stayed moving forwards until he was dragged down by multiple defenders
Legend has it he use to push his jeep(in neutral) across his high school field for workouts. True? idk
@@MrBoDiggety The legend is real (except the bunny rabbit one, apparently):
www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1996-08-10-9608091812-story.html
Thank you for making me remember the best full back ever. I forgot about him but memories flooded back after watching.
“Is this guy in the hall of fame?”
No but he's my favorite player of all time
Along with many other bucs fans
He should be in the Hall of Fame.
No, and it's a travesty.
Mike was a legend one of the best full backs ever and very lucky for my dad to have meet him and getting me a helmet from him and are friends
You should look up Christian Okoye “The Nigerian Nightmare”.
arnie olivarez few years ago he had a meet-and-greet akoya did and I got an autograph from him
Do you remember that hit between Okoye and a hard hitting safety? Can't remember his name, maybe Atwater? Epic! CO "The Nigerian Nightmare" was every linebackers nightmare for awhile there.
Corey Cooper Yes, it was Steve Atwater. First and only time I recall Okoye being stopped in his tracks, and it was a strong safety that did it. Atwater could flat out hit.
He was great until he got hit by Atwater lol
Atwater set his ass down doe....
As the old coach used to say, "This guy is a BEAST. You aren't going to arm-tackle or shoulder bump him. You've got to go low, put your shoulder in his waist and wrap him up with your arms. You go high on this guy and you can wave goodbye as he runs over you."
Alstott was super under rated when it came to his speed, dude had some wheels. If you like his freight train style of running, you gotta watch some Earl Campbell highlights.
Alstott was a unique player. He was a power running back in college. So he was used to carrying the load for his team. When the Bucs drafted him as mentioned in the video he transitioned to fullback. Which as others have mentioned is usually a blocking or short yardage position. But Mike had skills that few other true fullbacks possessed. He was a great receiver out of the backfield and when the game called for it he could be the lead back in the offense which he was in many games. His best seasons were probably those where he was paired in the Bucs backfield with Warrick Dunn and they formed the Thunder and Lightning or WD-40 backfield in Tampa. It was a great time to be a Buc fan when Mike was on the team. If the team needed a yard and Mike was in the backfield you knew they were going to get it. Also you knew game in and game out Mike was going to give his all. Great player. After he retired he remained in the Tampa area and he owns several restaurants and is also a high school football coach.
His mother was one of my teachers in the 8th grade back in 1995!!! She would blush when we compared him to Jerome Bettis, but we didn't get any better grades.
Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn were a great combination. Those were fun days to be a Buccaneer.
I remember watching Alstott as a kid and wanting to be just like him
And this my friend is why A-train will always be in anh tampa fans heart
I don't think anybody should ever really forget William The Refrigerator Perry either
Man that guy was huge.
Rumblin, bunbiln, stumblin. It was always exciting when big Mike got handed the ball - you knew he was gonna make guys miss and he was going to run thru the next guy. His love for the game was infectious and we still see a lot of 40 jerseys at games. The NFL has phased out the half back position for the most part and watching Alstott it is hand to understand why. I was at the game when Mike was added to the Bucs ring of honor. Guys like Mike, Shawn King, Chris Sims, Warrick Dunn, Warren Sapp, John Lynch are why I am a bucs fan.
This guy is a later day version of Larry Czonka.
In my opinion Czonka is arguably the best Fullback ever.
2004 highschool senior football I trained an entire summer powerlifting/ full uniform treadmill running, drills and tackling forklift tires. My goal was to never go down and drag whoever held on. I had never watched a pro game, but like Mike said, it was instinctual to play power back style. It paid off for me that season big time! The coaches wanted up to be a “passing” team but I was so dominant in power style that they changed our game plan to support me. A lot of epic moments:) I wish Power football would come back.
"Alstott up the gut!"
The guy who made a career getting 2 yards when needed.
He made a career of getting 10 yards when 2 were needed
Alstott was as big as a linebacker that could block, catch and run. A beast of a man. Fullbacks aren't used that much anymore.
Fullbacks usally block for the halfback/the walter paytons of the league but mike Alstot was used different because of the sytem he was in
Alstott, legend! He put the buds on the map! He gave Tampa Bay hope, spirit! Loved to watch him play!
REACT TO JACK LAMBERT.
HE WAS AN INSANE LINEBACKER FOR THE STEELERS
let him know if you want him to react to jack
👇🏻👍
DA BEAST jack lambert is ugly but a good player
My favorite player to watch of all time. He's so big and gets his center of gravity so low, you just can't wrap him up.
Barry Sanders is my first but he’s my second favorite running back!!!!!
Been waiting for this one!!! I was an A-Train fan his whole career here in Tampa!!
Thanks for doing this! Definitely check out his teammate John Lynch, now GM of the 49ers.
Tampa bay fan here. We were living in tampa during that super bowl run and found my self at the only raider party in town for the game. Face paint running everywhere. You were right about Gruden being the raiders coach too though. In fact Barbara was recorded saying " it was like we had their playbook" after the game. We got grudge that year and then faced his defense in the superbowl. They probly would have beat any team that year but facing Oakland that day was just too perfect. There were so many pro bowlers on that team!
This man used to seek out the contact. He would just look for anybody to run over. Fullbacks are always bigger than rb's..thats why Atrain and others are able to to the hits and stay up.
He was a beast in the NFL. You should've seen him at Purdue in college. He'd literally drag defenders into the endzone.
You should check out Larry Csonka he is always fun to watch. Of course I have been a Miami Dolphins fan all my life.
I had the privilege of watching Alstott play for Purdue. It was great times. And then a few years after Alsott left a fellow named Drew Brees came along. Good times in West Lafayette back in the 90s.
Let me tell you, Devin Hester is the best return man in NFL history!
Agree
Dont know how that came up but yes! My favorite football player ever.
As a fellow rugby player, but a fan of old school football, ill try to make an analogy you'll appreciate.
Mike Alstott is a one man maul.
His run against the cleveland browns was the definition of legendary.
You need to react to Larry Allan! He was a O lineman for the cowboys and he was an absolute unit
Ethan Macauley Larry is LEGEND. Benched 700 pounds with tobacco chew in his mouth! I’ll say it again...LEGEND!
Mike was not a typical fullback at all. He was a hybrid that could play both half and fullback. He was amazing to watch.
If you havent already, will you react to Emmitt Smith
“In the days before two platoons, the fullback was usually the team's punter and drop kicker.[2] When at the beginning of the 20th century, a penalty was introduced for hitting the opposing kicker after a kick, the foul was at first called "running into the fullback", inasmuch as the deepest back usually did the kicking.[3]
Before the emergence of the T-formation in the 1940s, most teams used four offensive backs, lined up behind the offensive line, on every play: a quarterback, two halfbacks, and a fullback. The quarterback began each play a quarter of the way "back" behind the offensive line, the halfbacks began each play side by side and halfway "back" behind the offensive line, and the fullback began each play the farthest "back" behind the offensive line. Each offensive back was known by a position name that described his relative distance behind the offensive line.
As the quarterback was typically the offensive back who first touched the ball after the snap, quarterbacks were the offensive back most likely to pass the ball, although any eligible player may do so. As the game evolved and alternate formations came in and out of fashion, halfbacks (reduced to typically just one rather than two) emerged as the offensive back most likely to run the ball, although, again, any eligible player may do so. "Halfback" came to be synonymous with "running back". Fullbacks were primarily used as blocking backs with only occasional ball carrying duties. As formations began to favor placing the blocking back ahead of/ closer to the line of scrimmage than the running back, these blocking backs retained the name "fullback" even though they were closer to the offensive line than the halfback. "Fullback" became a misnomer, and the term "halfback" declined in usage, replaced variously with the more descriptive term "tailback" or the generic term "running back".
In the modern game, when the quarterback is under center, the fullback most often lines up directly behind the quarterback and in front of the halfback or tailback. The fullback position has seen a decline in recent time, with only 17 full-time fullbacks playing in 2016. The trend can be traced back to teams choosing to pass more, the use of "11 personnel" (one running back and one tight end), and the use of hybrid “H-backs”.”
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fullback_(gridiron_football)#History
Similar to Marshawn lynch ...he doesnt try to avoid tackles he tackles you
No. Not similar to ML. ML cut angles alot and did rely on some speed .
Alstott bulldozed thru people on a regular basis. Not just highlight reels
@@mason1011 Its not like Mike was slow
I love your vids man. So cool to see your reaction because you have never seen guys like this play. Living in the us where all my friends and I know all about this stuff it’s so cool to watch your reaction to these guys. Alstott was a beast and was a protypical fullback. He was insane.