History of Frank Gore in Timeline
"Franklin Gore Sr., a renowned former NFL running back, enjoyed a remarkable 16-season career, largely with the San Francisco 49ers. His exceptional longevity in the physically demanding running back position solidified his place as a league icon, as he holds the record for most games played at his position. Notably, Gore achieved the impressive feat of ranking third in all-time NFL rushing yards, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific rushers in league history."
1978: MacArthur Lane's Historic Season
In 1978, MacArthur Lane achieved a significant NFL record by becoming the oldest player to have a 100+ yard rushing game. His age and performance set a high bar for older running backs in the league.
May 14, 1983: Born in Miami, Florida
On May 14, 1983, Frank Gore was born in Miami, Florida. He would go on to have a long career as an NFL running back, becoming particularly known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
1983: Best Rookie Rushing Season Since Roger Craig
Frank Gore's 608 rushing yards in the 2005 season were the most by a 49ers rookie since Roger Craig's impressive 725 yards in 1983, hinting at Gore's potential for a successful career.
1988: Breaking the 100-Yard Game Record
Roger Craig set the 49ers' franchise record for most 100-yard rushing games in a season with six in 1988. This record would later be broken by Garrison Hearst in 1998 and again by Frank Gore in 2006.
1990: Rookie Rushing Leader Since 1990
Frank Gore's rookie season in 2005 was notable because he became the first rookie to lead the 49ers in rushing yards since Dexter Carter in 1990.
1994: Super Bowl Run and Individual Recognition
The 2012 playoffs saw Gore and the 49ers make an unforgettable run to Super Bowl XLVII, their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994. Gore's contributions were instrumental throughout the postseason. He delivered a dominant performance against the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown. In the NFC Championship Game against the Atlanta Falcons, he continued to shine, racking up 90 rushing yards and two touchdowns, securing the 49ers' spot in the Super Bowl. Despite falling short against the Baltimore Ravens in a thrilling 34-31 Super Bowl game, where he had 110 rushing yards and a touchdown, Gore's performance throughout the playoffs solidified his legacy as a clutch performer and one of the league's top running backs.
1998: Breaking Rushing Records
The 1998 NFL season held several franchise records for the 49ers, all of which Frank Gore would go on to break during his career, including the single-season rushing record and the single-season record for total yards.
September 24, 2000: Setting the 49ers Single-Game Rushing Record
On September 24, 2000, Charlie Garner set the 49ers single-game rushing record with 201 yards. This record would stand until 2006 when Frank Gore broke it.
2000: Broke Dade County Single-Season Records
In 2000, Frank Gore, then a high school senior, broke multiple Dade County single-season records for rushing yards and touchdowns, cementing his status as a highly sought-after football prospect.
2001: Freshman Season at Miami
In 2001, Frank Gore began his college football career with the Miami Hurricanes, achieving the third-best season total in school history by a freshman. He was named Sporting News' Big East Freshman of the Year.
2002: The Birth of Frank Gore Jr.
Frank Gore Jr. was born in 2002 while Frank Gore Sr. was attending the University of Miami. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Gore Sr.'s life, as he balanced the responsibilities of fatherhood with his burgeoning football career.
2002: Suffered a Torn ACL
In 2002, Frank Gore's promising college career was put on hold when he suffered a torn ACL during spring practice. He spent the season recovering from surgery.
2002: A New Era with Jim Harbaugh
The arrival of Jim Harbaugh as head coach in the 2011 offseason marked a turning point for the 49ers. Harbaugh's emphasis on a balanced offensive attack, combining a strong running game with a complementary passing game, proved to be a perfect fit for Gore's skill set. This strategic shift, coupled with a formidable defense, propelled the 49ers back to playoff contention, ending their postseason drought since 2002.
2003: Completed the 2003 Season
Despite the setback of a season-ending ACL tear, Frank Gore still managed to accumulate nearly 500 rushing yards and four touchdowns for the Miami Hurricanes in 2003.
2003: Returned from Injury, Tore ACL Again
Frank Gore returned from his ACL injury in 2003 for the Miami Hurricanes, but unfortunately tore the same ACL in a game against West Virginia, cutting his season short.
2003: Longest Run from Scrimmage
In 2003, during a game against the Washington Redskins, Frank Gore had a standout play, a 72-yard touchdown run, which at the time was the longest run from scrimmage by a 49ers player since 2003, further illustrating his talent.
July 28, 2005: Signed with the 49ers
On July 28, 2005, Frank Gore officially signed a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, beginning his time with the franchise that he would become synonymous with.
2005: Drafted to the NFL
The year 2005 marked a turning point for Frank Gore as he was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, launching his professional football journey.
2005: Drafted by the 49ers
In 2005, Frank Gore was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the NFL draft. This began his professional career after a successful college football run with the Miami Hurricanes.
August 19, 2006: The 49ers Trade Kevan Barlow
On August 19, 2006, the San Francisco 49ers traded running back Kevan Barlow to the New York Jets, a move that elevated Frank Gore to the top of the 49ers' depth chart, paving the way for his breakout season.
2006: Breakout Season with the 49ers
During the 2006 NFL season, Frank Gore had a breakout year, finishing with eight rushing touchdowns, the third-most in a season by a 49er. He led the team with 61 receptions, a rare feat for a running back. He also caught his first receiving touchdown, a 20-yard score against the Seattle Seahawks. Gore's dominance was evident in his league-leading 16 rushes for 20 or more yards. His performance earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors twice and his first Pro Bowl selection.
2006: Led the NFC in Rushing Yards
During the 2006 NFL season, Frank Gore led the NFC conference in rushing yards, solidifying his position as a premier running back.
2006: A Record-Breaking Season
The 2006 NFL season was Frank Gore's breakout year. He broke multiple franchise records for the San Francisco 49ers, including the single-season rushing record, showcasing his talent and becoming a central part of the team's offense.
March 28, 2007: Contract Extension and Ambitious Goals
On March 28, 2007, Gore secured his future with the 49ers by signing a four-year contract extension worth an estimated $28 million, keeping him with the team through 2011. With his contract secured, Gore set his sights on a lofty goal: surpassing Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,200 yards in the upcoming 2007 season.
2007: Addai's 1,000-Yard Season
Joseph Addai, running back for the Indianapolis Colts, achieved the 1,000 rushing yard milestone during the 2007 NFL season. This was a notable accomplishment for Addai and a significant moment for the Colts.
2008: Strong Start to the Season
Gore kicked off the 2008 season with a bang, racking up 96 rushing yards on just 14 carries against the Arizona Cardinals. His performance included an impressive 41-yard touchdown run. Despite his efforts, the 49ers fell to the Cardinals with a final score of 23-13.
2009: Overcoming Injury and Offensive Shifts
The 2009 season saw Gore battle through an ankle injury that sidelined him for two games. Despite the injury and the team's shift towards a spread offense, he had standout performances, including a 167-yard, one-touchdown game against the Cardinals, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. He finished the season with career highs in rushing touchdowns (10) and total touchdowns from scrimmage (13), solidifying his place as a top running back in the league.
2009: New Coaching and Support
The 2009 season saw changes in the 49ers' offensive coaching staff, with Tom Rathman taking over as running back coach. Gore was also joined in the backfield by rookie running back Glen Coffee, a third-round draft pick, providing him with additional support.
January 20, 2010: Pro Bowl Selection
On January 20, 2010, Gore was named to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a replacement for the injured Steven Jackson, marking the second Pro Bowl appearance of his career.
2010: Solid Performance Despite Challenges
Despite facing challenges in the 2010 season, Gore still managed to put up respectable numbers. He finished the season with 853 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 203 carries. Additionally, he contributed significantly in the passing game, catching 46 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns.
August 30, 2011: Contract Extension and Continued Commitment
On August 30, 2011, Gore further solidified his future with the 49ers by signing a three-year contract extension worth $25.9 million. This extension demonstrated the team's confidence in him and secured his place in San Francisco through the 2014 season.
2011: Continued Success with the 49ers
Frank Gore continued to be a key player for the San Francisco 49ers through the 2011 NFL season, living up to the terms of his contract extension signed in 2007.
2011: Recognized Among the League's Best
Gore's consistent performance and impact on the field earned him recognition from his peers. He was ranked 94th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011, a testament to his talent and standing in the league.
2012: Playoff Success and Continued Recognition
Gore's exceptional performance carried over into the 2011 playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in the 49ers' deep postseason run. He made his playoff debut memorable with a crucial 42-yard rushing performance against the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round, contributing to their 36-32 victory. Although the 49ers fell short in the NFC Championship Game against the New York Giants, Gore's contributions did not go unnoticed. He earned a 28th-place ranking on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier running backs.
2012: Pro Bowl Season and Continued Production
Gore continued to be a force in the 49ers' backfield during the 2012 season, finishing with an impressive 1,214 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 258 carries. He also showcased his versatility as a receiver, adding 28 receptions for 234 yards and a touchdown. His outstanding season earned him his fourth Pro Bowl selection, a testament to his consistency and impact on the field.
2012: Franchise Rushing Touchdown Record and Playoff Berth
Gore's consistency and nose for the endzone continued in the 2012 season. He started all 16 games, surpassing the 100-yard rushing mark three times. His most memorable game came in the regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park, where he etched his name in 49ers history by becoming the franchise's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 51. This achievement coincided with the 49ers clinching the NFC West title, further solidifying Gore's legacy with the team.
2012: Super Bowl Appearance
Frank Gore and the San Francisco 49ers appeared in Super Bowl XLVII in 2012, one of the highlights of his career, though they ultimately lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
2013: Post-Super Bowl Recognition
Following his impressive performance in the 2012 season and Super Bowl run, Gore continued to receive recognition as one of the NFL's premier running backs. He was ranked 32nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013, solidifying his status as a respected veteran presence in the league.
2013: Another 1,000-Yard Season
Gore continued to defy expectations in 2013, surpassing the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the seventh time in his career. He finished the season with 1,128 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 279 carries, proving his durability and consistency as a lead running back.
2013: Gore's Last Playoff Appearance with the 49ers
The 2013 NFL season marked Frank Gore's final playoff appearance as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. The team's strong performance that year, led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, solidified Gore's status as a key contributor to the 49ers' success during his tenure.
2014: Continued Success with the 49ers
Frank Gore continued to be a key player for the San Francisco 49ers through the 2014 NFL season, exceeding the terms of his contract extension signed in 2011.
2014: Reaching a Career Milestone
Gore achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious career during the 2014 season. He surpassed 11,000 career rushing yards, solidifying his place as the 20th player in NFL history to reach this milestone. He finished the season with 1,106 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 255 carries, adding another 1,000-yard season to his impressive resume.
2014: Playoff Contributions and Continued Recognition
Gore remained a vital part of the 49ers' offense in 2013, contributing significantly to their playoff run. He had a strong performance in their Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers, rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up with an 84-yard rushing effort against the Carolina Panthers in the divisional round, helping the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship. Despite their loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, Gore's steady performance throughout the season earned him a 46th-place ranking on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014, further solidifying his legacy as one of the league's most consistent and respected running backs.
2014: Left the 49ers
In 2014, after a decade with the team, Frank Gore left the San Francisco 49ers to continue his NFL career with other teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets.
March 10, 2015: Signing with the Indianapolis Colts
On March 10, 2015, Gore made a significant career move, signing a three-year, $12 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. The deal included $8.5 million in guarantees, signifying the Colts' belief in his abilities. This move came after a brief period of uncertainty when reports surfaced of an agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles that ultimately fell through.
2015: New Team, Continued Production
In his first season with the Indianapolis Colts, Gore continued to be a productive running back, despite not reaching the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time in a 16-game season. He finished the year with a respectable 967 rushing yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his value as a consistent contributor. He also remained active in the passing game, adding 34 receptions for 267 yards and a touchdown. Noteworthy performances included a two-touchdown game against the Tennessee Titans and a crucial performance against the Miami Dolphins, where his 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns helped secure a victory.
2016: A Historic Season for Gore
Frank Gore achieved a significant milestone in his career during the 2016 season by surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the ninth time. This achievement placed him in an elite group of NFL legends, including Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. His performance also marked the first time a Colts running back had achieved this feat since Joseph Addai in 2007.
2016: Gore's Strong Start with the Colts
In the beginning of the 2016 season, Frank Gore showed his reliability on the Colts, averaging a solid number of rushing yards per game and contributing touchdowns. A highlight of this period was his surpassing of Jim Brown in career rushing yards during a victorious game against the Chicago Bears.
2017: Gore's Last Rushing Touchdown with the Colts
Frank Gore's final rushing touchdown with the Indianapolis Colts came in Week 12 of the 2017 NFL season. This touchdown marked the end of a chapter in Gore's career as he would go on to play for different teams in the following seasons.
2017: Embracing Competition
In 2017, the Colts drafted Marlon Mack, a running back, bringing competition for Frank Gore. Gore, a seasoned player, embraced the challenge, believing that competition breeds improvement. He emphasized the importance of depth in a team and expressed his belief that the best player should earn the starting position.
2017: Climbing the Rushing Ranks
The 2017 season saw Frank Gore continue his climb up the NFL's all-time rushing list. He surpassed both Jerome Bettis and LaDainian Tomlinson to secure the fifth position, a testament to his consistency and durability. He also recorded his highest yardage total in his three years with the Colts during a Week 14 game against the Buffalo Bills, which was played in challenging blizzard conditions.
March 1, 2018: Gore's Departure from the Colts
On March 1, 2018, the Indianapolis Colts made the decision not to re-sign veteran running back Frank Gore. This move made Gore a free agent, open to sign with any team in the league.
March 22, 2018: Homecoming: Gore Joins the Dolphins
On March 22, 2018, Frank Gore signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, marking a return to his hometown team. The deal, worth $1,105,000, provided Gore with the opportunity to play for the team he grew up rooting for.
April 12, 2018: Miami Honors Frank Gore with "Keys to the City"
On April 12, 2018, Frank Gore was honored by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez with the "Keys to the City." Mayor Suarez praised Gore as the "soul of Miami" for his upbringing in the city and his impact on the community. During his acceptance speech, Gore acknowledged the unwavering support of his family and friends who stood by him through life's challenges, reminiscing about his childhood in a crowded one-bedroom apartment. In recognition of Gore's contributions, Mayor Suarez proclaimed April 12 as "Frank Gore Day."
2018: Inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame
In 2018, Frank Gore was recognized for his collegiate accomplishments with the Miami Hurricanes when he was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
2018: A Season Without a Rushing Touchdown
The 2018 NFL season was an outlier in Frank Gore's otherwise impressive career, marking the first time he did not record a rushing touchdown. Despite this anomaly, he still managed to contribute significantly to the Dolphins' rushing attack, showcasing his trademark durability and consistency.
March 13, 2019: Gore Signs with the Buffalo Bills
Frank Gore continued his NFL journey by signing a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on March 13, 2019. The deal, worth $2 million, brought Gore to a new team with a young and promising quarterback in Josh Allen.
December 19, 2019: Frank Gore Jr. Commits to Southern Miss
Following in his father's footsteps, Frank Gore Jr. committed to play college football at the University of Southern Mississippi on December 19, 2019. A three-star prospect, he chose Southern Miss over offers from other universities.
2019: Playoff Berth and Pro Bowl Recognition
Despite sharing the backfield with rookie Devin Singletary, Frank Gore led the Buffalo Bills in carries during the 2019 season. The Bills secured a playoff berth, marking Gore's first postseason appearance since his time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. In recognition of his consistent excellence and impact on the game, Gore was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-Decade Team for the 2010s.
2019: Reaching Milestones with the Bills
The 2019 season saw Frank Gore achieve several significant milestones. He became the fourth player in NFL history to reach 15,000 career rushing yards, achieving the feat during a game against the New England Patriots. He also surpassed Barry Sanders to claim third place on the all-time rushing list during a game against the Denver Broncos, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. This season also marked Gore's 15th season with at least 500 rushing yards, setting a new NFL record.
May 6, 2020: Gore Joins the New York Jets
On May 6, 2020, Frank Gore signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets, adding his veteran presence to a young and rebuilding team. The move reunited him with Adam Gase, his former head coach from the Miami Dolphins.
December 30, 2020: Gore's Season Ends on Injured Reserve
Frank Gore's 2020 season with the New York Jets came to an end on December 30th when he was placed on injured reserve. Despite the unfortunate ending, Gore had a productive season, leading the Jets in rushing yards and showcasing his enduring talent and resilience.
2021: Gore Steps into the Ring
In 2021, Frank Gore participated in his first boxing match, an exhibition bout against former NBA player Deron Williams. This event marked the beginning of Gore's exploration of boxing as a potential post-NFL career path.
April 3, 2022: Gore Announces Retirement Plans
On April 3, 2022, Frank Gore announced his intention to retire as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, the team that drafted him and where he spent the majority of his career. He expressed his desire to sign a one-day contract with the 49ers, a ceremonial gesture allowing him to officially retire with the team.
May 14, 2022: Gore's Boxing Debut
Following his retirement from the NFL, Frank Gore transitioned to the world of professional boxing. He made his professional debut in the heavyweight category on May 14, 2022, securing a knockout victory against Olaseyinde Olorunsola.
June 2, 2022: Gore Officially Retires
As previously announced, Frank Gore formally retired from the NFL on June 2, 2022. He signed a one-day contract with the San Francisco 49ers, allowing him to conclude his illustrious career where it all began.
July 29, 2023: Gore Returns to the 49ers as an Advisor
Frank Gore returned to the San Francisco 49ers on July 29, 2023, this time in a front office role. The 49ers hired him as a football advisor, allowing him to share his extensive knowledge and experience with the team's players and staff.
2024: Frank Gore Jr. Signs with the Buffalo Bills
Frank Gore Jr. entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024, signing with the Buffalo Bills. His father, Frank Gore Sr., expressed his confidence in his son's abilities and praised Bills general manager Brandon Beane for giving him an opportunity.