Is Frank Gore Jr. related to Frank Gore?
Football fans might feel a sense of déjà vu during the Week 6 “Monday Night Football” game between the Bills and Jets, as another Frank Gore is making waves in the NFL.
This isn’t just any player; it’s Frank Gore Jr., who has stepped into a significant role with the Buffalo Bills after injuries have hit the team’s running back group. His promotion to the 53-man roster has fans recalling the legendary career of his father, Frank Gore Sr., who retired four years ago.
Who Is Frank Gore Jr.?
So, who exactly is Frank Gore Jr., and what’s his connection to the former NFL star? Well, he’s Frank Gore’s son! Frank Gore Sr. made sure to show his support for his son during his NFL debut, appearing at MetLife Stadium to cheer him on as the Bills faced off against the Jets.
Frank Gore Jr. took a bit of a unique route to the NFL, playing college football at Southern Mississippi, where he stood out as a four-year starter. He finished his college career as the third-leading rusher in the school’s history after getting three stars from 247Sports.
Despite his accomplishments, he went undrafted in 2024 but found a spot on the Bills’ practice squad. In April, his father expressed confidence in his son’s abilities, saying, “Folks slept on my son; they slept on me too — they’ll see. My bloodline is for real.”
What Happened in the Jets Game?
With another running back, James Cook, sidelined with a toe injury, Frank Gore Jr. was called up to play in the Bills’ Week 6 game.
Meanwhile, Frank Gore Sr. had his own journey to success. Despite facing injuries during his college career at Miami, he was picked by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He went on to have an incredible career, racking up over 16,000 rushing yards and 81 touchdowns, ranking him among the all-time greats in the NFL.
How Does Frank Gore Jr. Compare to His Dad?
In terms of physical performance, Frank Gore Jr. didn’t participate in the NFL Combine but showed his skills during his pro day. He recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.58 seconds, matching his father’s time. Here’s a quick look at how the two compare in some key measurements:
| Combine Event | Frank Gore Jr. | Frank Gore |
|---|---|---|
| 40-yard dash | 4.58 seconds | 4.58 seconds |
| Vertical jump | 29 inches | 34 inches |
| Broad jump | 9 feet, 3 inches | 9 feet, 1 inch |
| 3-cone drill | — | 6.91 seconds |
| 20-yard shuttle | — | 4.11 seconds |
What Are His Strengths and Weaknesses?
While Frank Gore Jr. has shown good instincts for reading blocks and finding running lanes, scouts have raised concerns about his speed. His 4.58-second 40-yard dash isn’t particularly fast compared to many of his peers, which might limit his chances of being a lead back in the league. Instead, he might be better suited for a change-of-pace role.
On the plus side, his strength, durability, and toughness make up for his relatively modest size, and he has potential as a receiver out of the backfield.
Gore Jr.’s College Stats
Here’s a look at Frank Gore Jr.’s college stats over his last few years:
| Year | School | Games | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | Scrimmage Yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Southern Miss | 10 | 121 | 708 | 2 | 9 | 97 | 1 | 805 |
| 2020 | Southern Miss | 12 | 179 | 801 | 5 | 20 | 155 | 0 | 956 |
| 2021 | Southern Miss | 13 | 228 | 1382 | 9 | 19 | 219 | 0 | 1601 |
| 2022 | Southern Miss | 12 | 231 | 1131 | 10 | 27 | 221 | 3 | 1352 |
- Frank Gore Jr. is 22 years old, born on March 13, 2002, in Miami.
- Frank Gore Sr. is 41 years old, born on May 14, 1983, also in Miami.
With both Gores making their mark in the NFL, it’s a fascinating time for fans to see how Frank Gore Jr. will carve out his own legacy while carrying on his father’s impressive name in football.
