By Jordan Long
Running back Frank Gore hasn’t decided his NFL future. He finished his 17th season in the NFL and his first with the New York Jets. It could be time for him to retire from the game.
Gore is a free agent and can sign with any team. This past year he was productive with the Jets, rushing for 653 yards and 2 touchdowns as the number one running back on the Jets’ depth chart. His average yards per rush was 3.5 yards.
The problem with the Jets was the offensive line. They didn’t create many holes for him to run through. He had to do it on his own by breaking tackles. The Jets averaged 105.2 rush yards per game, 23rd in the league.
Now that the year is over and the Jets finished 2-14, Gore isn’t ruling out another season. It could be for another franchise. According to si.com, Gore said, “I’m going to get some downtime with the fam, get back in Miami, chill out with my kids and I’ll see what’s up. I haven’t made a decision yet.”
Once the 2021 season starts, Gore will be 38 years old. There aren’t many running backs who play the game at his age. Teams may stay away from him because they would like younger legs at the position. He isn’t going to be a starter and might have to prove he can be a backup in training camp and preseason games. It would be a shame for him to end his career that if Gore can’t make a team.
It is best for him to hang up his cleats. Gore has been voted into the Pro Bowl 5 times and placed on the second-team All-Pro once. He was also announced on the All-Decade team for 2010. The only thing missing is a Super Bowl ring. There is no guarantee he will win it next year.
The only reason to play is for the love of the game. He is currently 3rd All-Time on the NFL rushing list. He needs 726 rushing yards to tie Walter Peyton for second. Gore won’t reach Emmitt Smith. He is 2,355 yards behind.
Gore will take his time deciding what is best for him moving forward. It could be Gore uses free agency to see his value. If franchises aren’t going after him, then it is time to retire. The worst case is he plays next year but an injury derails his year, forcing him to call it quits. He will be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day whenever he decides to retire.
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