As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempt to chart a new course forward in this fresh era for the franchise, it never hurts to look back. For Bucs fans, there's a lot of darkness to sift through but the light that's there shines particularly bright because of this.
Five players or coaches from the iconic 2000s teams have made the Hall of Fame, but that era was about more than just vaunted defensive play. Mike Alstott was one of the most bruising running backs to have ever played the game, and remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
Alstott is in the Ring of Honor, remains a big part of the team's culture, and is even getting shouted out by stars elsewhere around the league.
Dak Prescott compares Cowboys running back to Mike Alstott
After a Thursday Night win over the Giants, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott evoked the name of Alstott when talking about Hunter Luepke and how he was a wrecking ball on offense.
“Love that guy. Lil' Mike Alstott, that's what I call him. Wearing No. 40 as well,” Prescott said after the game. “One of my favorite backs, back in the day. It's awesome to see a guy come in as a fullback, show that he can play tight end, fullback, running back, and pass protect.”
Kuepke only had two carries for eight yards, but he was a bowling ball both times. He's not quiet on the same level as Alstott and has a way to go before he's in that conversation, but this is more about the fact that Tampa Bay's past is being called back in modern times.
There's been so much forgettable football played by the Bucs over the years that it's easy to get lost in the negativity it has invited. Even with the team soaring to heights nobody expected with Baker Mayfield, they're still a target for national pundits who are quick to put them down.
Hearing Dak shout out Alstott is a reminder that there's a history to be proud of in Tampa Bay. It wasn't anything monumental, rather the casualness of the reference goes to show how seamlessly those Bucs teams are a part of the fabric of football's story.
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