During Sunday's game against the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins running back Frank Gore had an eight-yard run late in the third quarter that lifted him to the No. 4 spot on the all-time rushing list past Curtis Martin. He now sits at 14,112 career rushing yards, just 1,157 yards shy of Barry Sanders, who sits at No. 3.
"Means a lot," Gore said of the achievement after the game. "Doubted my whole life especially coming out of college with the injuries I had. People saying I won't be in the league two or three years. I'll be done."
Gore started his career with the 49ers in 2005 and played his first 10 seasons in San Francisco. Even though the veteran running back is four years removed from the Bay Area team, he remains a fan favorite.
One of his many Bay Area fans is 49ers left tackle Joe Staley. Gore was in his third NFL season when San Francisco drafted Staley with the No. 28 overall pick in 2007. The now-veteran offensive lineman has never been shy about discussing the impact Gore had on his career.
Staley, who joined 95.7 The Game on Thursday, hasn't spoken to Gore since he reached the historic milestone. The two, however, do still talk now and then.
"We communicate probably a few times during the season," Staley told Damon Bruce. "He's a good bud, and I'm really happy for him. I mean, he's just the pro's pro — using that cliche — and that's what Frank Gore is. He's one of the hardest working guys, had one of the biggest impacts of my football career, and I've been able to tell him that.
"I don't think I'd be who I was without Frank Gore in my life. He's one of the greatest dudes ever and just happy to see him finally get the recognition and the stats that go with that."
Staley has spent his entire career with the 49ers. He has seen a lot of turnover over his illustrious career. Staley is one of just two players remaining from the 2012 squad that reached Super Bowl XLVII. When Bruce asked the offensive lineman what one roster move in his 12 NFL seasons he wished could be undone, his answer probably didn't come as a surprise.
"Obviously, I'd love to play with Frank my whole entire career," Staley answered. "Just the kind of person he was, like I talked about earlier about the impact he had on my career. Obviously, he's had a lot to give still in the NFL. He's just an anomaly in that way. The guy never quits. I'd love to have been able to play my entire career with Frank."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Staley below.
Comments