Frank Gore says his career is 2,355 yards shy of Emmitt Smith's all-time rushing record. Gore will sign a one-day contract with the San Francisco 49ers to retire with the team that drafted him in 2005.
Gore ends his career as the third-leading rusher in league history, more than 1,000 yards ahead of the next player on the list, Adrian Peterson. The next two players are Mark and Ezekiel. The players have reached 8,000 yards. Gore will be ranked third all-time for quite a few years.
What about Gore's legacy? There aren't many teams left in the NFL that rely on one running back to carry the ball 25 times a game. Gore was one of the last running backs left in the league. Gore claimed to fame during his playing days with the Niners.
Gore ends his career with the third-most rushing yards of any back to ever tote an NFL rock, but that doesn't mean he's the third greatest back the league has ever seen. Gore was consistent for a long time. Gore rushed for over 1,000 yards in nine out of 11 seasons. Gore is one of the first hard-nosed, tough players that should come to mind.
It would have taken Gore another three seasons to break Smith's record. He averaged 658 yards rushing per season over Gore's final three years. He didn't play in 2021, so who knows where he would be if he came back in 2022. Gore ends his career in the top 20 for all-time rushingTDs with 81.
Gore came along at the same time as guys like Marshawn Lynch and LaDainian Tomlinson. For most of their careers, they got more publicity nationally than Gore. Frank was one of the more durable running backs. Gore played in fewer than 14 games in only one season, and he suited up for 11.
Gore will be remembered as an ironman, having not missed a game during his time as an athlete. He was selected to the All-Decade team in 2010 and was a five-time pro bowl selection. Gore is one of the top 15-20 all-time NFL backs. Gore was never considered the best running back in the league, having never been selected All-Pro, which hurts him when compared to other great running backs. He never led the league in rushing. I know it's nitpicking, but that must be taken into account.
Gore achieved more than enough to be considered one of the best of his era. He is a clear-cut Hall of Famer, even if it is the first or fifth ballot. Someday, Gore will join the other greats with a bust in Canton. Gore is free to focus on his boxing career and get his second fight with Williams.
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