When Frank Gore was ruled out for the New York Jets’ season finale against the New England Patriots in Week 17, most assumed we had seen the 37-year-old on the field in the National Football League for the final time.
While that may prove to be the case, the third-leading rusher in league history didn’t rule out the possibility of returning for a 17th season in 2021.
“I'm going to get some down time with the fam, get back to Miami and chill out with my kids. Then I'll see what's up,” said Gore via ESPN Jets reporter Rich Cimini. “I still have fun playing the game of football, but I haven't made a decision yet.”
When the 0-13 Jets looked destined for a winless season (a path that, in retrospect, they probably should have pursued), a frustrated Gore told reporters, “I can’t go out like that.” New York rallied for victories in Weeks 15 and 16, allowing Gore to go out a winner, if he so chooses.
Gore, who has been remarkably durable over his 16-year career, ascended to workhorse status in New York after Le’Veon Bell’s falling out with head coach Adam Gase earlier this season. The former Miami Hurricane wasn’t particularly effective in that role, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards per-carry (3.5), though the fact he was still seeing significant work this late into his career is remarkable, bordering on unprecedented.
If round numbers mean anything to Gore, he should probably pack it in right now. The veteran sits at 16,000 career rushing yards, to go with exactly 100 NFL touchdowns (98 rushing, one receiving, one special teams).
After spending the first decade of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, Gore has gone the journeyman route in recent years, suiting up for four teams in as many seasons.
One of those stops happened to be with the Buffalo Bills in the 2019 season, where he rushed for 599 yards and two touchdowns on 166 carries in 16 games played.
The five-time Pro Bowler needs 727 yards to overtake Chicage Bears legend Walter Payton for second on the NFL’s all-time rushing list.
If Gore hangs on another few years, it’s possible he could play alongside his son Frank Gore Jr., who impressed with 708 yards and three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) this fall as a freshman at Southern Mississippi.
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