DAVIE — Frank Gore, a South Florida native has enjoyed an illustrious hall of fame career in his 13 seasons in the NFL. At age 34, Gore is a mere 75 yards away from supplanting Curtis Martin at the No. 4 spot in all-time rushing yards. However, upon entering the NFL after an injury-riddled college career at the University of Miami, Gore’s pro prospectus appeared bleak.
Thirteen years later, Gore is the lone remaining running back from his 2005 draft class. “Thinking about where I came from – coming out of college with two ACLs and all of the doubters saying I won’t be able to play two or three years,” Gore said. Being picked in the third round was a reach, but I’m still going, so I will say that’s a blessing.”
During the 2005 draft process, Gore thought there was potential for him to be selected by the Dolphins, but Miami had another running back on its mind.
“When I came out [in the draft] we had to do the workout for the [Dolphins], I thought they were going to take me in the second or third round, but then they took Ronnie [Brown] I was like ‘well that’s out the door’ because they worked the hell out of me. So I thought I might have a chance to get drafted here. It didn’t happen but, it’s all good, I felt like I’ve had a pretty good career so far. I’m still playing, I’m blessed, and I’m happy I’m here.”
Gore has experience working with Adam Gase during his short stint with the San Francisco 49ers as offensive assistant and he’s excited about being rejoined with the third-year head coach.
“He [Adam Gase] wants me to come out there and be me. He wants me to go out there and be the football player I’ve always been. I’ve been with Adam I think since ’07, ’08. He knows the way I love the game, how much passion I have for the game. And I told him before I signed, ‘If I felt like I couldn’t play, I wouldn’t play.’ I still can play and I’ll try and do whatever it takes to be able to help this team win.”
Gore, a Coral Gables High School graduate isn’t just thrilled about making plays for his hometown team, he expressed his excitement at the prospect of seeing his son, Frank Gore Jr. play running back and slot receiver for Miami Killian High School.
“I was away for 13 years, and now that I have an opportunity to play back here is very big. … My kids get to see me every day. I get to see my oldest son’s high school games. It’s probably going to be my first time seeing him make a play since I’ve been in the NFL – so that’s a plus. “
Gore believes he’ll be able to lead by example in his new environment just as he’s always done. He’ll be tasked with helping the Dolphins move the football on the ground in 2018 – a feat he says he’ll be able to accomplish with third-year running back Kenyan Drake.
“I think [Kenyan Drake is] a great young man. He’s got a lot of tools. I remember they played Denver, and I think the week before [the Colts] and I was watching tape, and he kind of caught my eye. He’s got a lot of talent. And I think me and him in the backfield, I think we can help this team. I play a different style, and it should be good.”
