First it was reported that Frank Gore would be joining the Philadelphia Eagles. Two days later, it appeared as if he'd be signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
In the end, the all-time leading rusher of the San Francisco 49ers will be playing in Indianapolis. Reports indicate it will be for the next three seasons.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter broke the news first Tuesday morning. Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed the agreement later in the afternoon. And finally, Gore's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, announced the signing Wednesday morning.
Gore, a 10-year veteran of the 49ers, will officially play for his second NFL franchise.
Though Gore is moving on with the next chapter of his football career, we felt it would only be right to acknowledge his achievements, as well as the five best rushing performances of his remarkable career in the Bay Area.
5. Oct. 23, 2005: Washington 52-17 Win
*The score doesn't tell the story. Gore's rookie season saw him seize the running-game spotlight with a 72-yard touchdown run in an 89-yard outing in our nation's capital. It was Gore's first time ever leading the 49ers in rushing, and the third-round pick eventually became the team's bell-cow runner with such performances. Gore's best outing as a rookie was a 108-yard performance in a Week 17 overtime win against the Houston Texans. That game was one of the brightest moments of Gore's rookie season, but in order to get there, he needed to earn the coaching staff's confidence. He did so in the Week 7 road game in D.C. The following season, Gore earned the starting job outright over Kevan Barlow, and he rushed for a career-high 1,695 rushing yards en route to the first of his five career Pro Bowl selections. *
4. Oct. 2, 2011: San Francisco 24-23 Win
* *Gore had better single-game rushing outings than our number four selection, but this performance emphasized the largest portion of Gore's running arsenal: heart. After missing practice all week with a sore ankle, Gore ripped off 127 rushing yards in a stunning comeback road win over the Philadelphia Eagles. It was the first of five consecutive 100-yard rushing games for the hard-charging runner, known for contorting his body in unfathomable ways. Gore scored the game-winning touchdown, lifting San Francisco to its second of eight straight wins on the way to the franchise's first playoff appearance in eight seasons.
3. Sept. 16, 2007: San Francisco 17-16 Win
This was the ultimate tribute game. Gore could not be stopped by the St. Louis Rams on this day. Why? Because the 49ers running back was out to represent the name on the back of his jersey after his mother, Liz, passed away earlier in the week at the age of 46 due to kidney disease. Gore cranked out 81 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the day, including an inspired 43-yard run that ended with Gore succumbing to his emotions on the visiting sideline. Gore honored his mother by running with a purpose and continuing to show he could overcome obstacles, much like he did after undergoing two major knee injuries at the University of Miami.
2. Sept. 20, 2009: San Francisco 23-10 Win
Gore entered rare territory on this day. He joined Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders as the only running backs in NFL history to rush for a pair of 79-plus yard touchdown runs in the same game. Gore amazed the home crowd with scoring runs of 79 and 80 yards in a divisional home win over the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the day with a franchise single-game record 212 rushing yards. It was also the third 200-yard game in 49ers history. Such performances helped Gore climb atop the team's record books in carries (2,442), rushing yards (11,073) and rushing touchdowns (64).
1. Dec. 28, 2014: San Francisco 20-17 Win
This was the last. And for that reason, it was the best. Gore wrapped up his 49ers career with a 25-carry, 144-yard touchdown run in a season-ending home victory over the Arizona Cardinals. What made this day most unforgettable was Gore's milestone pursuits. He passed the 1,000-yard mark for the season for the eighth time of his career, and he crossed the 11,000-yard mark for his illustrious career. Gore did it in front of his adoring home fans at Levi's® Stadium, and he later took a lap around the field to celebrate with the team's Faithful fans.
Share your favorite Frank Gore memories in the comments section of this post.
