Even Father Time can’t keep up with youthful Gore
NEW YORK — Frank Gore just keeps running — defying logic and Father Time with each hardfought yard.
At 37 years old, the star running back is considered ancient in football terms, playing a position at which most guys his age and with his workload would have been long retired.
But Gore is preparing for his 16th NFL season, this one with the New York Jets. He’s No. 3 on the league’s career rushing list with 15,347 yards, behind only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. And he doesn’t believe he’s anywhere near finished.
“I really don’t think about age,” Gore said during a Zoom call Thursday. “It’s the way I train. I love to stay around younger guys at the position, just to look at myself, to be honest with myself.”
Gore has made a career of being a smart, tough runner whose workout regimen impresses all who have coached or played with him. During his 10 years in San Francisco, three in Indianapolis
and then one-year stints in Miami and Buffalo, Gore has challenged himself to stay at a high level. And he has been productive at every stop.
With the Jets, he’ll likely be behind Le’Veon Bell in a backfield that will also include rookie La’Mical Perine. For a bell-cow back who has led his team in carries every season, that lessened workload will be a bit of a change.
“I’m cool,” Gore insisted. “I’m happy to even be playing this game at my age. I’m happy that this organization gave me an opportunity. But I’m just going to come in here, come work and help all the young guys and show those young guys I still can play.”
Gore signed a one-year deal worth $1.05 million with the Jets two weeks ago, reuniting with coach Adam Gase — something the running back said was a major factor in him coming to New York. The two first worked together when Gase was an offensive assistant with the 49ers in 2008. They developed a bond and Gase told Gore if he ever got a head coaching job, he’d love for Gore to play for him.
The opportunity to play with quarterback Sam Darnold — “I’m very excited” — on a team with a defense that includes safety Jamal Adams — “I think he’s a top safety in this league. I love the way he comes to play every down, every game” — also played roles in Gore choosing the Jets.
Gore has yet to speak with Bell since signing with New York, but insists the two will be fine working in the same backfield. They have known each other for several years, and train in the same area in Florida.