Tampa Bay Buccaneers all-time Mount Rushmore

20 Aug 2000: Derrick Brooks #55 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls out instructions during the game against the New England Patriots at the Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Buccaneers defeated the Patriots 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/Allsport /

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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 18: Running back Mike Alstott #40 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills on September 18, 2005 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mount Rushmore: FB Mike Alstott

You can still hear ESPN’s Chris Berman on “NFL PrimeTime” making that “boomf, boomf, boomf” sound while partner Tom Jackson nodded in approval.

One year before the Buccaneers used a first-round selection on Florida State University running back Warrick Dunn, the club chose University of Purdue running back Mike Alstott in the second round. They proved to be quite the tandem. But the latter would enjoy a much longer tenure with the franchise and remains the club’s all-time leader in total touchdowns (71).

The 6-foot-1, 248-pound battering ram didn’t necessarily pile up all-time numbers. In 11 NFL seasons, he amassed a respectable 7,372 yards from scrimmage and the aforementioned 71 scores.

While he ran for 5,088 yards and 58 scores, Alstott was quietly a solid pass-catcher who finished with 305 receptions for 2,284 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was a six-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro and was part of the Super Bowl XXXVII championship team in 2002.

It is worth noting that James Wilder remains the franchise’s all-time rushing leader. But Alstott punished opposing defenses on a regular basis and made life easier for the Dunn and the team’s ground game. And the relentless performer was a lot of fun to watch.

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