Great NFL fullback turned running backs coach Tom Rathman announced his retirement this week. One of his star pupils, Frank Gore, released a statement via the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
"I want to congratulate Tom on a Hall of Fame career – both as a player and a coach," Gore said. "Tom was a father-figure to me. He came into my life and career at the perfect time. He challenged me every day to be better, both on the field and off, and I always wanted to make him proud. Tom helped me see the big picture of football and I wouldn't have had as much success throughout my career without him. I love him. SQUEEZE IT!"
Those words were read to Rathman during a Friday-morning interview on 95.7 The Game, and the former player and coach was asked what he thinks about Gore's heartfelt words.
"It kind of makes me a little emotional," Rathman said on The Morning Roast. "I'm getting a little teary-eyed here. Everybody I coached means something to me. I treat them like my family. I want the best for them. I want to see them dominate."
Rathman briefly paused to regain control of his emotions before adding, "But I love Frank Gore, no doubt about it."
Gore will always hold a special place in Rathman's heart. It wasn't just Gore's play while carrying the football that made Rathman proud, but everything Gore did in all aspects of the game. Gore was truly an unselfish player who wanted to dominate every play, no matter what was asked of him.
Rathman was asked if he can recall a favorite Gore play or game.
"Obviously, Frank was a tremendous player ... I don't really have any favorite plays," he responded. "I don't have any favorite game. I just see good execution every play, snap after snap, with that consistent play, and you have excellence every play."
And what about the Hall of Fame? There is no doubt in many minds that Gore belongs there among the greats. He does, after all, rank No. 3 all-time in rushing yards. Only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton had more yards over their illustrious careers.
"I just think he's overall a great player," Rathman said when asked about Gore's Hall of Fame worthiness, "and you talk durability, you talk about a guy that steps (up) to the plate every time he gets an opportunity, that's Frank Gore.
"When I was with Frank, there was nobody in the league that was playing on the level that he was playing because it's not really about what you do when you have the football, in my opinion. ... I look at guys and say, 'What do you do when you don't have the football?' To me, that's what makes an outstanding football player, is what you do when you don't have the football."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Rathman below.
