Frank Gore, sadly, will not play in the NFL until the heat death of the universe. The 39-year-old running back is retiring, after signing a one-day contract with San Francisco, the 49ers announced Thursday.
That marks the official end of a stunning career. In a league where running backs have the shortest careers of any offensive or defensive position, Gore was a fixture on Sundays for 16 years. He averaged more than 700 rushing yards per season after he turned 34. He played more regular season games than any modern era running back and ran for at least 100 yards in 47 of them.
His retirement, especially in the center of the NFL’s offseason, will spark the same debate every longtime veteran prompts. Is he bound for the NFL Hall of Fame?
