Legend Gore returns, retires
Former RB signed a one-day contract to retire with the team, next to HOF
Frank Gore's ceremonial, one-day signing with the 49ers on Thursday included a retirement present: entry to their Hall of Fame this coming season.
“Being inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame, one of the most historic franchises in all of sports, is something that is hard to put into words,” Gore said in a team-issued statement. “This organization will always be a part of me, one that I will forever associate myself with.
I will talk about San Francisco as `we' and `us' for the rest of my life, and will support the 49ers and The Faithful in every way possible.”
In four years, Gore becomes eligible for enshrinement to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a first-ballot candidate, as the NFL's third alltime leading rusher.
Gore, 39, verified his retirement Thursday by signing a ceremonial, one-day contract with the 49ers, who drafted him in the third round in 2005 and saw him become their franchise rushing king by his departure after the 2014 season.
Gore's long-wished encore to the 49ers came in closed-door fashion without a press conference.
“One of the very first things I told the 49ers organization when they drafted me in 2005 was that they got the right guy,” Gore said. “I knew early on that I wouldn't let my college career define me in regards to injuries, and that I would have to outwork a lot of people to get to where I wanted to be.
“After 10 years in San Francisco and 16 years in the NFL, I can confidently say that I put all I had into the game of football. Football was and is everything to me. From meetings and film study to practice and just being in the locker room, all of it meant the world to me. I am
happy to officially close this chapter of my life and proud of what I was able to accomplish and the legacy I leave behind.”
Gore will be the 49ers' next entrant to their Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Hall of Fame, complete with a statue among 26 other franchise greats inside the museum at Levi's Stadium, where Gore played his final season with the team.
Gore went on to finish his career with an even 16,000 rushing yards. He did not play last season after previous stops at the Indianapolis Colts (2015-17), the Miami Dolphins (2018), the Buffalo Bills (2019) and the New York Jets (2020).
Gore's 241 career games are more than any other running back in NFL history. He not only had the third-most yards but thirdmost carries (3,735), behind Emmitt Smith (4,409 carries; 18,355 yards) and Walter Payton (3,838 carries; 16,726). Gore's 81 rushing touchdowns are tied for 19th-most, nearly half the amount of Smith's record 164.
“We are thrilled to induct Frank Gore into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame, his rightful place among our all-time greats,” 49ers CEO Jed York said in a statement. “Frank had to overcome many challenges upon entering the NFL and now leaves the game not only as one of the best backs in NFL history, but one of the best football players ever.
“Frank's 16-year NFL career is a testament to his durability, having played in more games than any other running back in league history,” York added. “His grit, toughness and commitment to greatness earned him the respect of his coaches, teammates and opponents. We knew this day would come when Frank would retire a 49er and we look forward to The Faithful celebrating his induction into the 49ers Hall of Fame in Levi's Stadium this upcoming season.”
Gore is No. 1 in NFL history with 12 consecutive seasons of over 1,200 yards from scrimmage (rushing and receiving, 2006-17).
Last month, Gore won his professional boxing debut in knockout fashion, on his 37th birthday. He has stated a desire to work for the 49ers' personnel department, and, a year ago, York asked him to review potential quarterbacks, with eventual pick Trey Lance earning Gore's endorsement.
In concluding his Thursday statement, Gore said: “I want to thank my entire family who was with me the entire way. I would also like to thank Denise and Dr. York, Jed York, and each coach I was fortunate enough to play for. To my teammates, the ones I sweat and strained with every game, thank you for continuing to push me to want more and not settle for the status quo.”