http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/players/mike_alstott/1138 Recent articles about Mike Alstott en-us Purdue coach Darrell Hazell took plenty of notes Saturday, and now he'll have plenty to ponder heading into fall practice. Instead of calling plays at Saturday's spring football game, Purdue's new coach spent most of the afternoon walking around in a white windbreaker and black baseball cap analyzing every play from the offensive backfield. His early conclusion: The Boilermakers look better than they did four weeks ago when spring practice began but still have room for lots of improvement. ''I really like the direction we're heading,'' Hazell said after his first spring game in West Lafayette. ''Obviously, there's a lot of work to be done before we open up the season, but I think they're starting to understand what it takes to be a better football team.'' Purdue didn't show much during the game and that was by design. Hazell acknowledged he limited the play-calling for both offenses and both defenses in an effort to keep things simple. Officially Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:17:26 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/new_purdue_coach_takes_backseat_at_1st_spring_game/13391293 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/new_purdue_coach_takes_backseat_at_1st_spring_game/13391293 New Purdue coach takes backseat at 1st spring game http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/new_purdue_coach_takes_backseat_at_1st_spring_game/13391293 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Before Purdue's spring game, the program hosted some of its past on campus to meet with the current team. Boilermaker greats Mike Alstott and Bob Griese spoke with the team and met with new head coach Darrell Hazell. Both feel optimistic about Purdue's future. Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:39:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/alstott_griese_believe_in_purdues_future/13390201 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/alstott_griese_believe_in_purdues_future/13390201 Alstott, Griese believe in Purdue's future http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/alstott_griese_believe_in_purdues_future/13390201 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Mike Alstott, a Purdue great and 12-year NFL star, returned to West Lafayette for the Boilermakers annual spring game. After Alstott spoke to the Purdue team, he met with the media. Boiler Sports Report offers video of the interview. Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:50:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/bsrtv_mike_alstott/13390204 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/bsrtv_mike_alstott/13390204 BSRTV: Mike Alstott http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bsrtv_mike_alstott/13390204 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Of all the rules changes approved this week at the NFL owners meeting, none is more controversial than one now barring players from forcibly initiating contact with the crown of their helmet outside the tackle box. Some running backs, NFL head coaches and fans have expressed concerns about football's hard-hitting essence being watered-down further by another rules change prohibiting the kind of blows that helped build the league's popularity and made bruising running backs like Larry Csonka, Mike Alstott and Christian Okoye into iconic figures. The rule still passed Wednesday morning by a 31-1 margin with only the Cincinnati Bengals voting against it. "I just think there are certain hits we can take out of the game without hurting the integrity of the game," New York Giants co-owner John Mara said. "It's still going to be a very physical, violent game. But there are just certain things that are unnecessary." The exact wording of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8 is as followed: Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:32:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/nfl_takes_aim_at_offensive_players/13191517 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/nfl_takes_aim_at_offensive_players/13191517 NFL takes aim at offensive players http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_takes_aim_at_offensive_players/13191517 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Draft Zone Spotlight: Eric Breitenstein, FB, Wofford University Eric Breitenstein was probably one of the most prolific football players in all of college football.  This year in the FCS, Eric was one of the top runners who ran over 2000 yards and 19 touchdowns. Eric B aka Wolverine was an animal in his college career.  He finished third in 2012 for the Walter Payton Award and was given a shot to extend his play to the FCS playoffs.  Eric reminds me of Mike Alstott but faster, this kid could be a special player in the NFL.  He did a great job at catching the ball out of the backfield and is a .400 hitter in baseball.  This kid is a jack of all trades folks, he will definitely get his shot in an NFL camp. How many teams were recruiting you coming out of high school and how did you make your decision? Several teams recruited me out of high school, but it really came down to Wofford and Navy. I respect those who serve in the military, my grandfather was in the Navy, my best friend is ... Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:41:10 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/draft_zone_spotlight_eric_breitenstein_fb_wofford_university/12741967 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/draft_zone_spotlight_eric_breitenstein_fb_wofford_university/12741967 Draft Zone Spotlight: Eric Breitenstein, FB, Wofford University http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/draft_zone_spotlight_eric_breitenstein_fb_wofford_university/12741967 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Former Tampa Bay Bucs star Mike Alstott discusses new Auburn RB Coach Rich Bisaccia and what he brings to the table for the Tigers. Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:02:00 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/alstott_says_auburn_getting_a_gem_in_bisaccia/12605662 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/alstott_says_auburn_getting_a_gem_in_bisaccia/12605662 Alstott Says Auburn Getting A Gem In Bisaccia http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/alstott_says_auburn_getting_a_gem_in_bisaccia/12605662 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png On paper, the Buccaneers had one of the best drafts in team history this past April. After a couple of rookie accolades for Doug Martin and Lavonte David, this Bucs rookie class has the potential to be the best in team history.  The team has seen players like Derrick Brooks, Mike Alstott ,and Doug Williams. Even Vinny Testaverde and the late, great Lee Roy Selmon. But the great Bucs of the past were never apart of the same draft class. The 2012 draft class features rookie of the week and month winners in Martin and David. Doug Martin was the week nine NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 251 rushing yards and four touchdowns against Oakland. He was also named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for October. His stats for that month are as follows: Martin led all NFL players averaging 155.7 scrimmage yards per game during October, 26.2 yards more than Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson (129.5), who ranked second. In the Buccaneers’ three October contests, the first-round pick out o... Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:54:25 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/bucs_rookies_making_names_for_themselves/12330472 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/bucs_rookies_making_names_for_themselves/12330472 Bucs’ rookies making names for themselves http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bucs_rookies_making_names_for_themselves/12330472 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Buccaneers will pay tribute to the Super Bowl XXXVII team when they host the Philadelphia Eagles on December 9th. As they dedicate the game to the 2002 team, there will be several names in attendance as they are honored by the organization.  Here is the list of names that are attending the 10-year reunion from Buccaneers.com: Players FB Mike Alstott CB Ronde Barber WR Reggie Barlow FB Darian Barnes LS Ryan Benjamin LB Derrick Brooks T Lomas Brown C Jeff Christy G Cosey Coleman FB Jameel Cook DT Chartric Darby TE Rickey Dudley LB Jack Golden T Dan Goodspeed K Martin Gramatica T Cornell Green DT Buck Gurley S John Howell CB Corey Ivy S Dexter Jackson G Kerry Jenkins QB Brad Johnson WR Joe Jurevicius CB Brian Kelly QB Shaun King S John Lynch WR Keenan McCardell DT Anthony McFarland LB Ryan Nece T Roman Oben WR Onome Ojo S Jermaine Phillips RB Michael Pittman LB Shelton Quarles DE Simeon Rice DT Warren Sapp LB Alshermond Singleton CB Dwight Smith L Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:52:31 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/bucs_super_bowl_reunion_game_features_gruden_and_others/12324925 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/bucs_super_bowl_reunion_game_features_gruden_and_others/12324925 Bucs’ Super Bowl reunion game features Gruden and others http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bucs_super_bowl_reunion_game_features_gruden_and_others/12324925 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png This Sunday’s Ring of Honor game will include more than just honoring former Bucs’ lineman Paul Gruber. During halftime of the Bucs and Chiefs, Tampa Bay plans to honor the teammates he played along side of during the 1997 season. 1997 marked the first year the team played in their pewter and red uniforms. The Bucs finished that season with a 10-6 record, lifting them into the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. That 1997 roster, led by then head coach Tony Dungy, arguably laid the foundation for their eventual Super Bowl Championship run in 2002.Couple of the notable names the team is expected to have in attendance on the field during the induction ceremony are Mike Alstott and Derrick Brooks. The full list of players that are planned for the ceremony can be found here.(Photo credit: Getty Images) The post Buccaneers plan to recognize the 1997 team appeared first on The Bay Cave. Wed, 10 Oct 2012 16:12:27 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/buccaneers_plan_to_recognize_the_1997_team/11927959 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/buccaneers_plan_to_recognize_the_1997_team/11927959 Buccaneers plan to recognize the 1997 team http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/buccaneers_plan_to_recognize_the_1997_team/11927959 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png That’s right ladies and gentlemen, you read it right.  Eric Breitenstein, the 5’11 senior from Wofford College is the leading rusher.  “Wolverine” had his second biggest rushing game in his career last week against Gardner-Webb, Breitenstein rushed the ball 22 times for 219 yards and two touchdowns.  If you think back to the 1995 Purdue season, you will see a similar player to Breitenstein, you will see Mike Alstott.  The A-Train had a huge NFL career in Tampa Bay for the Bucs for many seasons after being drafted in the 1996 season with the 35 selection.  “The Fat Back” is the term used most for big backs who can get in the box, but what separates “Wolverine” and Alstott from the rest of the fullbacks in the nation is the fact that they can run. After being out the 2010 season with a knee injury, Breitenstein came back last year and tore it up.  He had a huge game against Furman last year where he scored 4 touchdowns and had another 200 plus yard game on the ground.  This kid is not... Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:32:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/after_one_week_in_college_football_the_fcs_leading_rusher_is_a_fullback/11626051 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/after_one_week_in_college_football_the_fcs_leading_rusher_is_a_fullback/11626051 After one week in college football the FCS leading rusher is a fullback http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/after_one_week_in_college_football_the_fcs_leading_rusher_is_a_fullback/11626051 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png 5. Fullback Mike Alstott: Played for the Buccaneers from 1996 to 2007. Alstott was a hit from day one and instantly became a fan favorite in Tampa Bay. The A-Train had a legendary career with the Bucs and is the franchise leader in touchdowns and the second leading rusher. Why Is Alstott No. 5? Alstott [...] Tue, 17 Jul 2012 01:01:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/buccaneers101coms_top_25_buccaneers_of_all_time_number_5_mike_alstott/11234107 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/buccaneers101coms_top_25_buccaneers_of_all_time_number_5_mike_alstott/11234107 Buccaneers101.com’s Top 25 Buccaneers of All-Time: Number 5 – Mike Alstott http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/buccaneers101coms_top_25_buccaneers_of_all_time_number_5_mike_alstott/11234107 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/7/07abf44f57831e85291692720b5f761e871ae5df/mini/Atlanta_Falcons_v_cdd1.jpg The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began play in 1976, and despite some dreadful seasons, Tampa Bay has made great draft selections throughout the years. This article looks back on some of the greatest draft picks ever made by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Players are not listed by order of importance.   1. Lee Roy Selmon In 1976, with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft the newly-established francise selected Lee Roy Selmon, who would go on to become one of the team’s best and most well-known players. Selmon played in 121 regular season games for Tampa Bay. Selmon recorded 10 fumble recoveries in his career, and officially recorded 23 sacks, after sacks became a official statistic in 1982. In 1979, Selmon won the AP Defensive Player of the Year, while also being named a first-team All Pro, and making the Pro Bowl. Selmon also made the Pro Bowl every season from 1980-1984. Selmon’s last season would be in 1984 due to a back injury and he officially retired in 1986. Selmon was inducted ... Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:25:56 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/tampa_bay_buccaneers_10_best_draft_picks_in_franchise_history/10596898 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/tampa_bay_buccaneers_10_best_draft_picks_in_franchise_history/10596898 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 Best Draft Picks in Franchise History http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/tampa_bay_buccaneers_10_best_draft_picks_in_franchise_history/10596898 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Football players, cheerleaders, and mascots from Marshall University and Florida International University visited the patients at All Children’s Hospital on Monday, December 19.  They gave out team memorabilia, signed autographs and posed for pictures. The teams were in town to compete in the Annual Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl at Tropicana Field. Mike Alstott was also on hand for the visit.  Alstott, a retired Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fullback, was the Honorary Chairman for the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl.  Alstott, frequent visitor to All Children’s, was accompanied by former Philidelphia Eagle Vince Papale, who inspired the Disney Movie “Invincible.” Pictures after the jump…. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:05 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/florida_international_cheerleaders_visit_the_hospital/9003349 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/florida_international_cheerleaders_visit_the_hospital/9003349 Florida International Cheerleaders Visit the Hospital http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/florida_international_cheerleaders_visit_the_hospital/9003349 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/6/e69573fba3d063bd44591e0f2e7e1ddd8b5ea9ce/mini/Browns_v_Buccaneers_854e.jpg I know the majority of my readers are in Tampa, but if anyone is going to Atlanta for the game on Sunday, Mark Goodman of the Atlanta Bucs fan club is doing his annual tailgate at the Georgia Dome again this season. All the details are here. Basically, it’s $10 for all you can eat and drink, and Bucs fans will want to get blackout drunk before entering the stadium this year, so it’s a great deal. All proceeds from the event go to Curing Kids Cancer, so you can get hammered and help out a very worthwhile cause at the same time. Mike Alstott showed up to it one year, as you can see in the banner pic (I don’t know who the other people are), so who knows. Maybe another Buccaneer celebrity will make an appearance. I’m not saying nothin’, but if you have a Larry Swider rookie card, you might want to bring it and a Sharpie. It’s a tough sell this season, but Mark has worked a deal to get discounted tickets to the game, as low as $40. If you park at a MARTA station and take the train t... Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:03:23 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/atlanta_game_tailgate/8965480 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/atlanta_game_tailgate/8965480 Atlanta Game Tailgate http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/atlanta_game_tailgate/8965480 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/6/e69573fba3d063bd44591e0f2e7e1ddd8b5ea9ce/mini/Browns_v_Buccaneers_854e.jpg