Fullback Mike Alstott, perhaps the most popular Buccaneer and certainly one of the franchise's most accomplished players, is expected to announce his retirement by week's end.

Alstott, 34, spent 2007 on injured reserve with a neck injury and made it clear at the season's conclusion he had no intention of undergoing more surgery to correct the problem and prolong his career.

He hinted at his last public appearance that an announcement on his future was forthcoming.

Alstott was a 1996 second-round pick of the Bucs, for whom he played his entire career and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

The team is expected to hold a press conference, likely on Thursday, to make the announcement.