An interview with Michael Pittman

Michael Pittman is a veteran of the game, having spent ten seasons in the National Football League, as well as a season in the United Football League. He had over 5000 yards in his NFL career during which he spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002, having signed with the team at the start of the season. He saved his best performance of the year for the big game ending up rushing for over 120 yards on 30 carries in the Super Bowl win against the Oakland Raiders. His 5 year stint with the Buccaneers led to him being named their running back of the 2000s. Now retired, Michael lives in California with his family.


Conor Philpott: How nervous were you before the Super Bowl? Did you believe you would produce the goods come the big game? (as you did in the Super Bowl)

Michael Pittman: I was really nervous before the game. I believe my whole team/coaches were also. The whole world was watching, and it's the biggest sporting even in the world. You can't help but to get nervous you know I believed I was going have a good game. The 2002 year started off rough for me. I suffered a high ankle sprain that slowed me down and lasted all year long.. But once the Superbowl game rolled around, I wasn't going to let nothing stop me, it was a once a lifetime opportunity, so I gave my all and we pulled off a victory.


CP: What was your typical week weight lifting regiment as a player? What were your preferred exercises? Would there be a massive difference between the fitness work you did then and now?

MP: We workout Monday through Friday as a team. I really like working on my legs and shoulders. Those are the two most valuable parts of the body for a professional running back in my opinion. There wasn't a huge difference from how I workout in the off season compared to in season training. We had some good strength trainers and they knew what they were doing.

CP: What would you have said your best skills was as a Running Back? Would there have been any department you would liked to have been better at?

MP: My best skill as a Running back was my ability to catch the ball out of the backfield along with my route running. And there's always room to improve your skills.

CL: How proud do you feel when one of your former players steps out onto an NFL field?

MP: Larry Centers, Mike Alstott, & Thomas Jones in that order.

CP: Who would you say was the best defender you came up against?

MP: Ray Lewis, hands down. That dudes a beast!