Frank Gore signs one-day deal with San Francisco 49ers, officially retires as member of team that drafted him

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As a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Frank Gore never stopped acting like a member of the team even after he retired from the National Football League.

Gore watched from afar, rooting for the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft, and riding the highs and lows of his final six years in the league.

Gore had no choice but to walk away from the game as a member of the team that he loved the most. On Thursday, the Niners announced that Gore signed a one-day contract to retire as a 49er and that he will be in the team's Hall of Fame.

"Frank had to overcome many challenges upon entering the NFL and now leaves the game not only as one of the best backs in NFL history, but one of the best football players ever," York said. Frank is the only running back in league history to play in more games than any other player. He was respected by his coaches, teammates and opponents because of his commitment to greatness. We knew that Frank would retire from the 49ers and we look forward to seeing him in Levi's Stadium for the 49ers Hall of Fame ceremony.

Gore spent 10 of his 16 seasons forging a resume as the most productive running back in 49ers history. Gore became the franchise leader in career rushing yards (11,703) and touchdown (64), and his 13,956 yards from scrimmage are second only to Jerry Rice in franchise history.

Gore was a member of the All-Decade Team for the 2010s and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2006 and five Pro Bowl nominations.

The Niners used the No. 65 pick on Gore even though he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee twice.

Gore told the 49ers that they got the right guy when they drafted him. I knew early on that I wouldn't let my college career define me in regards to injuries and that I would have to work hard to get to where I wanted to be. I put my entire career into the game of football after 10 years in San Francisco and 16 years in the league. Football is the most important thing in my life. All of it meant the world to me, from meetings to film study to being in the locker room. I am proud of what I have accomplished and the legacy I leave behind, and I am happy to officially close this chapter of my life.

Few running backs have left a legacy like Gore's.

Gore played for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts after leaving the Colts for two years. In 2021, he didn't play.

Gore ends his 16-year career as the league's third-leading rushing back with 16,000 yards on 3,735 carries. Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton are the only two players in league record books with more than one total. Gore had 484 catches for 3,955 yards and 18 receiving scores.

The team would be happy to make that happen when the time came after Gore's retirement, according to York.

Gore's retirement announcement included the announcement that he would join the team's Hall of Fame. He will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in the year 2027.

Gore said that he would always associate himself with the organization. For the rest of my life, I will talk about San Francisco as "we" and "us" and support the 49ers.