Frank Gore, Alex Smith among 16 ex-49ers nominated for 2026 Hall of Fame class

Former 49ers running back Frank Gore, the No. 3 rusher in NFL history, is among 13 nominees in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Quarterback Alex Smith, also in his first year of eligibility, was announced Wednesday morning as part of 128 modern-era players on the ballot for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.Smith was the No. 1 overall pick of the 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft. Gore was the 49ers’ third-round pick that same year, chosen at No. 65 overall.Gore played 16 seasons in the NFL, including his first 10 with the 49ers. The 49ers’ all-team leading rusher (11,073 yards) ranks behind only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton on the all-time list with 16,000 career yards rushing. He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times in his career.Gore, quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and tight ends Jason Witten and Greg Olsen are among the top first-year eligible candidates.There are 16 former 49ers who were nominated: quarterbacks Jeff Garcia and Smith, running backs Ricky Watters and Gore, wide receivers Anquan Boldin, Brandon Lloyd, tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker, offensive...