Tampa Bay Buccaneers' all-time touchdown leader Mike Alstott has confirmed his retirement due to a neck injury.
Franchise touchdown leader forced to retire with neck injury.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' all-time touchdown leader Mike Alstott has confirmed his retirement from professional football due to a neck injury.
Six-time Pro Bowl full-back Alstott missed the entire 2007 season with a neck injury, and it has proved too much for him to return to the NFL.
During his 12-year career, Alstott scored 71 touchdowns to lead Tampa Bay's records, while also setting a franchise high of 56 touchdowns rushing.
"I'm here to officially announce my retirement from football and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," Alstott said at a press conference.
"Though mentally I feel I can continue, physically, I can't
"The second injury to my neck will prevent me from playing football forever.
"Today is a day of mixed emotions. I'm very sad to be walking away from the game I love.
"But at the same time I am excited and blessed that it has taken me this far."
Neck problems
Alstott sat out the 2007 season on injured reserve after suffering from neck pain during training camp, and the injury has proved enough to end the 34-year-old's career.
Despite saying earlier in January that he would undergo more surgery to prolong his playing days, it is no a viable option and he has been forced to hang up his boots.
Bucs coach Jon Gruden paid tribute to Alstott's achievements, and said he would be welcomed back to the franchise in the future.
"It's been an unbelievable career and we'll never forget you," Gruden told Alstott.
"It's been a pleasure, it's been an honour to coach one of the best players in Bucs history.
"We're going to miss you, and we're going to try and hire you, brother, to do something."
Aslstott was a member of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl-winning side in 2002, and is one of the most popular players in franchise history.
Second on the Bucs' all-time list of rushing with 5,088 yards, Tampa Bay say they will celebrate his career at a home game at the start of next season.
