In 2014, after becoming the 20th player in NFL history to rush for 11,000 career yards, Gore left the 49ers via free agency and signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he has played the past three seasons. He currently ranks fifth all-time in rushing with 14,026 yards and will likely jump into the number four spot with another season (or a game or two) of play.
Gore has surpassed 1,000 yards rushing nine times over his 13-year career. Over the past three seasons with the Colts, he has rushed for 2,953 yards on 784 carries with 13 touchdowns.
The durable Gore has started all 16 games in each of his last six seasons.
One person who would love to see Gore return to the team that made him a third-round draft pick out of Miami in 2005 is Peter Schrager of NFL Network.
"I think there's a free agent running back that is sitting on the street right now, and there is a destination that makes almost too much sense," Schrager said during "Good Morning Football" on Thursday morning. "I would love to finish this man's career with one great last season where he breaks all these records and does it where it should happen. I want to see Frank Gore back on the 49ers. This, to me, makes a lot of sense. Carlos Hyde is a free agent, they've only got Matt Breida, basically, on the roster that they're saying is their next guy.
"Gore is the all-time leading rusher for the 49ers. He's got 11,000 yards (as a Niner). He's fifth all-time (among all NFL running backs). He needs just 75 more rushing yards, which he can do in a game, (and) he'll surpass Curtis Martin on the all-time list and become the fourth all-time rusher in the NFL. He has the most active rushing yards.
"I love Frank Gore. I love what the 49ers are building right there...I don't care about numbers and age and all that stuff. Get it out of here. There's a place for the romantic."
Gore, who is a five-time Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2009, 2011–2013), spent his first 10 seasons in San Francisco.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Do the 49ers want to return to Australia? Brock Purdy's answer differs from others
The San Francisco 49ers were treated well during their week in Melbourne, Australia. They enjoyed good food, great coffee (the most important aspect, my wife might say), and warm welcomes from friendly locals. Quarterback Brock Purdy was surprised by how welcoming the people... -
49ers' George Kittle doesn't hold back on Brock Purdy expectations for 2026
Like so many San Francisco 49ers players, quarterback Brock Purdy dealt with injuries last season. He was limited to nine games in 2025 due to a turf toe injury but still completed 69.4% of his passes for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While fans only got to... -
49ers in Week 1 power rankings: 'No reason to expect this year's team to take a step back'
The San Francisco 49ers are set to open their 2026 NFL campaign against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Several questions still surround the 49ers heading into the new season. How will their revamped receiving corps perform? How much will Nick Bosa's return... -
49ers Notebook: Two-headed monster shines at running back; Familiar faces make triumphant returns; Myles Garrett gets shut out
The 2026 season started with a bang for the San Francisco 49ers, who ran away from the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday in a 27-7 win at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. There were a large number of positives to take from the game from the perspective of the...