Former University of Miami and Dolphins running back Frank Gore is among the semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Gore, who spent the bulk of his 16-season NFL career with San Francisco (10 seasons) and only the 2018 season with the Dolphins, is the third-leading rusher in NFL history with 16,000 yards. He trails only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton on that hallowed list. He's also one of three players, along with Jim Brown and Barry Sanders, to record nine 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBesides Gore, who holds the league record for games played by a running back, others making the semifinalist cut in their first year of eligibility are: Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Philip Rivers and Jason Witten.
Dec 23, 2007; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jermaine Phillips (23) during the first quarter at Monster Park in San Francisco, CA. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY SportsOther locals making the list are former Jaguars/Gators running back Fred Taylor (Pahokee), former Dolphins offensive tackle Richmond Webb and former Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (Boynton Beach).
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Gore, who hails from Coral Gables, earned five Pro Bowl selections and one second-team All-Pro selection.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn his lone season with the Dolphins, he rushed for 722 yards on 156 carries, plus 12 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. The 2018 season was the first time in Gore's career he did not score a rushing touchdown.
Oct 25, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Frank Gore (21) runs with the ball as Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) defends during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportsGore played in 28 games for UM from 2001-04, rushing for 1,975 yards (5.7 average) and 17 touchdowns before the Niners selected him in the third round (65th overall). He was the sixth running back to be selected in the 2005 NFL Draft. His numbers likely would have been greater if not for tearing his ACL twice.
Gore announced his retirement on June 2, 2022 after signing a one-day contract with the 49ers. He is currently a football personnel advisor for the team.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Former Miami Hurricane, Dolphin Frank Gore Hall of Fame semifinalist
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