Frank Gore…The Ultimate Teammate

December 14, 2016

In a world of Franks, first, there is Frank Sinatra, then there is probably Frank Lloyd Wright, but the next big Frank could be Frank Gore. Most NFL players might know who Frank Sinatra is, most will not know who Frank Lloyd Wright is, but they know who the legendary Mr. Gore is. I have heard the stories of Frank Gore looking completely distraught after a football loss that still carries on today in the twilight of his career. After a long career, those stories have been verified over and over again. Ask any current or former teammate of Frank Gore, and they will tell you he is the ultimate teammate. He plays like every play could be his last from the beginning to the end of a game. He is all heart, all of the time.

Let's get the statistical stuff out of the way and mention that Frank is now 8th on the All-Time rushing list with 12,830 yards. If he plays next year, which should be possible due to good physical shape and no current significant injuries, he can end up in the top five rushers of all time. He also has over 3,300 yards of receiving and 74 touchdowns, good numbers that will land him into the Hall of Fame. Ironically, it won't be the stats that people will remember about him or not having a Super Bowl Ring (could still happen); it will be his desire. It's such a clichéd word, but Frank has shown for ten years that the typical 3 to a 4-year career of an NFL running back doesn't apply to him. What makes a player withstand that type of physical toll and still be an effective offensive weapon? Its desire for success. He is Mr. Football.

When he left the Forty-Niners, I couldn't believe they let him go to another team. He is the glue guy in the locker room. He is not the drama dude on the team that needs so many touches with the ball that he will get pouty and want to be traded to another team. Sure, he wants the ball. He wants to carry the load but not at the cost of the team. He is a role model that every team needs, especially when it comes to teams with a large number of first- and second-year players.

Frank carried the load for so many Forty Niner teams and games it is a wonder the guy can walk. His durability is remarkable for a thirty-three-year-old running back that came out of the University of Miami with both knees surgically repaired. He has had most of the typical NFL injuries, from concussions to busted knees to hips and back issues, but he has never missed a whole season. I remember when he had the hip issue on the Niners, but it didn't keep him out of the lineup for too long. What goes on the trainer's table is one thing, but when Frank said he could play, management would take some referendum to keep him off of the field.

Frank is a throwback type player, old school, whatever you want to call it.  He doesn't accept losing, plays with pain, and speaks well of his teammates. It is challenging to capture Frank Gore in a short article, but if you go to YouTube, you can see him in full display. Judge for yourself.