The Hometown Hero

Speech Title:

The Hometown Hero

Public Figure: Mike Alstott

General Purpose: To inform + To persuade= To praise

Specific Purpose: To praise Mike Alstott to my classmates as a role model and hero to the Tampa Bay area.

Thesis: Mike Alstott is a true warrior, a role model, and an example of a hometown hero.

I. Introduction:

A. He hasn't stood in the face of danger for his country. He hasn't started a new religion. He's not a Mother Teresa and he doesn't have his own talk show. In fact, he's just your everyday kind of guy. And oh yeah, he's one of the top-rated most valuable players on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. His name is Mike Alstott, and he's worth a lot more than what you see at first glance. (attention getter)

B. Living in the Tampa Bay area, I'm sure you've heard of him, and you've probably caught a few games, but do you really know who he is? (common ground)

C. Mike Alstott is a true warrior, a role model, and an example of a hometown hero. (thesis)

D. I'm going to show you how Mike is not only a hero on the football team but a great asset to the Tampa Bay area. (preview)

No matter what it is, Mike puts his heart and soul into everything he does. For 9 years, straight out of college at Purdue, Mike Alstott has been a major part of the Buccaneers football team. Easily one of the most motivated players on the team, he has played in 102 games resulting in 59 career touchdowns. He is ranked second on his team of all-time with over 4,600 rushing yards. He has been to the pro-bowl 6 times. However, with all of these successes comes many injuries. In 2003 he missed 12 games due to a serious neck injury. Even after undergoing surgery, and the rest of his career being questionable, there was no doubt in his mind that he would be back on the field. Now, I don't know about you but after a life-threatening injury, the last thing I would want to do would be to throw myself back on the field to do it all over again. This quote sums up the Mike Alstott philosophy: "I have never backed down from any carry, any time," said Alstott. "I would carry it 50 times a game and I've always said that." Pure and simple, Mike loves football and he loves his community. Nothing could get in the way of him fulfilling his duty and doing what he loves.

I know these pictures are small, but you can't help but see his smile from across the room. His attitude is contagious. You can't help but admire his outlook on life when this is what he is up against. This picture is what you normally think of when you think of an NFL player: a big guy that lets you know that he is all muscle and no heart, ready to bash your head into the ground if you even think of coming his way. Well, Mike just loves the game. He is grateful to have the opportunity to do what he loves, and this attitude shows throughout his everyday life.

Mike Alstott not only breaks through the defensive line, but breaks the barriers of the normal role an athlete has to his community. Sure, Mike Alstott is a great football