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Indianapolis Colts: Frank Gore Set to Join Elite Company

By Nick Ziegler

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brice McCain (24) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brice McCain (24) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore has the opportunity to join some elite company in 2016 if he has another decent season.

The Indianapolis Colts had a very disappointing 2015 season, as they failed to reach the playoffs due to some key injuries on their roster. After losing in the AFC Title Game to the New England Patriots in 2014, the Colts added some veterans that offseason to help them get over the top. One of those veterans was running back Frank Gore.

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Since being drafted in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Gore has been one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Gore totaled 11,073 rushing yards, 64 rushing touchdowns, and 4.5 yards per carry average. Gore has been one of the most consistent players in the NFL, as he was able to total over 1,000 rushing yards eight of the 10 seasons with the 49ers.

The 49ers’ organization was heading In the wrong direction when Gore decided to leave, and they also drafted his replacement, Carlos Hyde. It was a great career for Gore with the 49ers, and his time there has helped him run his way up the all-time rushing list.

Now as his career is winding down, Gore is targeting some big names on the all-time rushing list. After totaling 967 rushing yards last season, Gore has 12,040 rushing yards for his career. If Gore is able to do what he did last season, he will jump from 15th to eighth on the all-time rushing yards list. There are some impressive names that Gore will be passing, as Thurman Thomas, Franco Harris, Marcus Allen, Edgerrin James, Marshall Faulk, Jim Brown, and Tony Dorsett.

"“Man, I could pass up some of the greats who already have yellow jackets,” Gore said to Stephen Holder of IndyStar.com. “I mean, just think about where I came from.”"

After averaging 3.7 yards per carry last season and being 33-years-old as a running back, Gore is hearing the talk that he is close to being done. Generally, running backs decline after the age of 30, and Gore is working harder than ever to perform.

“Believe me, I listen,” Gore said to Holder. “When I hear it, that’s when I attack my training. When I’m tired, I tell myself what the people are saying about me. In that second workout when I’m saying, ‘Man, I don’t want to do this.’ I remind myself, ‘They’re saying you’re old. They’re saying you’re 33. They’re saying you can’t do it this year.’ I play games with myself off that stuff.”

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One positive for Gore this season will be the improved offensive line that he will be running behind. After seeing Andrew Luck take a beaten the last few seasons, the Colts finally addressed their offseason line needs in the NFL Draft by selecting center Ryan Kelly. Behind the improved offensive line, we should see Gore move up the all-time list and cement himself as a future Hall-of-Famer.

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