I remember when the San Francisco 49ers drafted a kid from the University of Miami or better known as “The U” named Frank Gore. I’ve always said that it doesn’t matter what college you go to or what round you’re drafted in. Just find a way to get yourself in the door then go from there. Frank spent the first few years of his career on some struggling San Francisco teams. Although he achieved personal success, it was often overshadowed by the struggles of the 49ers. When the 49ers decided to hire Jim Harbaugh as their head coach in 2011, the 49ers had one of their best seasons winning 13 games. That same season, he became the 49ers all-time rushing leader. In 2012, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns. Also, that year, he was a key piece that helped guide the 49ers to the Super Bowl. He’s accomplished a bit in his career. This season, he became just the fourth player to have rushed for over 15,000 yards. He’s moved himself up on the all-time rushing yards list. Just yesterday in the Buffalo Bills win over the Denver Broncos, he surpassed an all-time on the rushing list. Frank is now third all-time just behind Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith. He surpassed the legend, Mr. Barry Sanders.
Whenever I think of durability, Frank Gore has always been a name that comes to mind. He’s a running back. For those of you who follow the sport, running backs normally start to break down by the age of 29 or 30. He’s 36 years old. He also happens to be the oldest active running back in the league who still happens to be playing at a high level. He’s never been a flashy running back. To some, he’s considered “boring”. His style of play has done well for him. He has a way of just powering himself through defenses. Many of the running backs today like to work their way around the would-be tackler. That’s not Frank. He bulldozes people in his path. What people fail to realize is he’s only 5’9. The way he runs, you’d think he was at least six feet tall. He’s always been shifty to get around but doesn’t depend on that. He’s a power back. Frank finds his spot, follows his blockers, gets through the lane and he’s in the back of the defense. He’s always been difficult to bring down because of the strength he displays. He came into the league running through defenses and he continues to do it at this point of his career. I think he’s been able to succeed for so long because he’s taken tremendous care of his body.
Whenever he decides to retire, he’s a lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He’s a key veteran on a young Buffalo Bills team who happens to be in the hunt for a playoff spot in the AFC. He’s now on his fourth team in his career. Frank was drafted by the 49ers in 2005, was signed by the Colts in 2014, spent a season playing for his hometown Miami Dolphins in 2018 and now, he’s a Bill. To only be behind the legendary Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith is remarkable. You think of all the legendary running backs that have played the game, those two I listed often get brought up into the conversation. This is an incredible accolade.
