Source: ABC Action News
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TAMPA - Are you ever curious about the real lives of politicians, celebrities, local newsmakers and athletes? Who are their mentors and who would they really like to meet?
Each Tuesday, ABC Action News asks 10 questions of a Bay area leader or celebrity. They're fun questions that let you get to know the person.
This week we are thrilled to hear from of the most beloved athletes in this area, A-Train himself. Mike Alstott.
Mike spent his entire professional career right here in the bay area playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
And he is still very much part of this community. He and his wife Nicole live in St. Petersburg with their three children-and this family is committed to giving back.
I have interviewed Mike on numerous occasions-when he played for the Buccaneers and during community events. Mike is a true class act. I really appreciated watching him paying special attention to children. Never turning away when one wanted an autograph. He is very generous with his time.
Mike grew up in the Midwest. He is from Joliet, Illinois. He attended Purdue University in Indiana and according to his biography was the first player in school history named MVP in three consecutive seasons! He graduated in 1995.
Mike then went into the pros! He was selected in the second round, the 35th pick overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He played running back and fullback and was selected to the pro-bowl six times. He was a key player in the Superbowl XXXVII when the team brought home the trophy.
Mike retired in 2008. And instead of going back to the Midwest decided to stay. He is still very much part of the community and has made Florida home. He and his family started the Mike Alstott Family Foundation.
He is also an owner of the popular Island Way Grill, a restaurant in Clearwater.
I mentioned earlier his commitment to children. Every year Mike hosts a football camp and every year he visits St. Petersburg All Children's Hospital, in hopes of cheering up the children who are there.
And just last year, Mike accepted his first full time coaching job, not surprisingly it's working with kids! He is the head coach for Northside Christian High.
1. What is your all time favorite movie or song?
Braveheart
2. Do you have a Smartphone? If so, what's your favorite app?
Yes, recently it's been the Hudl app which allows me to keep up on the film and practices of my high school football team.
3. Who do you count as your mentor(s)?
Too many to list by name, but definitely my parents and all of the coaches I had growing up.
4. What was your very first job?
I was the Paper Boy. After school I would wrap up the papers and deliver to 75 houses. Some days I'd walk, some days I'd ride my bike.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Non applicable!
6. What do you consider your greatest success?
Achieving my childhood dream of playing in the NFL and eventually winning the Super Bowl.
7. Tell us something about you most people don't know?
Non applicable!
8. If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?
Vince Lombardi, George Washington, and Mother Theresa
9. What is in your fridge right now?
A bunch of stuff for the kids, not much of anything for me.
10. If you could have a different career, other then what you're doing now, what would it be?
Since I'm "retired" right now, if I wasn't doing that, I'd rather be a football player.
