Gore has made career of surpassing expectations
— It’s
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. sort of fitting that Frank Gore would become the NFL’s fourth all-time leading rusher while wearing a Miami Dolphins uniform.
“It means a lot,” Gore said Sunday, after surpassing Curtis Martin in the Dolphins’ 20-12 defeat of the Jets. “I’ve been doubted my whole life, especially coming out of college, with the injuries I had.”
Gore was born in Miami, grew up in Coconut Grove, starred at the University of Miami, and, in 2002 and 2003 tore anterior cruciate ligaments.
“People said I would be in the league for two or three years and then I would be done,” Gore said.
That was 15 years ago. What a remarkable journey.
“Kind of mind-blowing, honestly,” Dolphins defensive
end Cam Wake said of Gore’s accomplishment — 14,112 career yards, and counting — after he walked into a media interview room as Gore left.
Gore, 35, is so humble, yet also so proud.
He wore a T-shirt that read, “Do it for the doubters.” He wore a diamond necklace that featured a photo of his mother, Lizzie, who died in 2007.
So, so much has happened since then.
“Seeing him up close and personal doing what he has to do is just motivation to me to have my game mirrored after him, because he’s a great player and an even better person,” Miami running back Kenyan Drake said.
Gore, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards nine times in his career, is in fact a mentor to Drake and other Dolphins. But the best part of this return home for Gore? He’s not just a bit player.
Gore is making key contributions to the Dolphins, who, by the way, stand alone in first place in the AFC East now at 2-0.
On Sunday, Gase awarded Gore a game ball for two reasons. First, because he climbed even higher into an amazing
NFL stratosphere. And perhaps even more importantly, because he made a key play to seal the victory.
The thing about Gore is that he always seems to gain exactly whatever it is your team needs.
With about three minutes to play and facing a 3rd-and-19, Gore reeled in a pass just inches off the ground from Ryan Tannehill and gained, well, 19 yards.
“Frank made one heck of a catch,” Tannehill said. “Frank did an amazing job of scooping that thing. That play was huge.”
After that catch and run, the Dolphins were essentially able to run out the clock.
It was in the third quarter that Gore moved up the all-time yardage list, right behind Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders, with an 8-yard run up the middle.
It was fitting that Gore made the jump with a run up the middle, as that’s where he’s gained so many of his tough yards over the years.
It’s hard to express the amount of respect Gore’s teammates seem to have for him. And the appreciation they have for his longevity and skill.
“A leader, a beast, one of the best ever,” Dolphins receiver Danny Amendola said.
“It’s an honor to be on the field with him,” Dolphins receiver Albert Wilson said.
Imagine feeling that reverence for a co-worker.
Perhaps it’s because during his career, Gore has run for yardage equivalent to more than eight miles. How far is eight miles? That would almost take you from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to Times Square in Manhattan.
With that type of mileage comes respect. And Gore is clearly enjoying his career coming full circle. Back to where it started.
“The main thing is I just want to win,” Gore said. ‘“I want to win and keep going.”