Frank Gore defied age again in 2014, and bucked the trend of running backs over the age of 30 struggling to play at a high level.
Despite an inconsistent workload and an inept passing game, the 31-year old Gore still managed to gain 1,106 yards on the ground and averaged 4.3 yards per carry.
It was the eighth time in 10 professional seasons Gore has eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark, bringing his career total to 11,073 (which is good for 20th on the all-time NFL rushing list).
It's safe to say that Gore has made a strong case to be considered for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame regardless of whether or not he ever plays another down, but how do his numbers stack up against some of the other most prolific running backs in history?
The general thought is that the magic number for backs to be considered for the Hall is at least 10,000 yards. While only 29 players in the history of the NFL have accomplished this feat, 10,000 alone does not carry a lot of weight in terms of getting in.
There are currently nine running backs who fall between 10,000-10,999 yards rushing for their careers. None of them are, or most likely will be, inducted into the Hall of Fame. Those nine players are Warrick Dunn, Rickey Watters, Jamal Lewis, Thomas Jones, Tiki Barber, Eddie George, Otis Anderson, Adrian Peterson (still active), and Ricky Williams.
In the case of Peterson, however, it could be his off-the-field issues that keep him out regardless of whether he keeps adding to his total or not. His on-the-field accomplishments would warrant heavy consideration.
Of the remaining 20 players who have 11,000 yards or more, 13 of them (Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, Curtis Martin, Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Jim Brown, Marshal Faulk, Marcus Allen, Franco Harris, Thurman Thomas, John Riggins, and O.J. Simpson) are in the Hall of Fame.
Of the remaining seven (minus Gore), LaDainian Tomlinson is a sure bet to get in when eligible and Jerome Bettis should get there eventually. They currently stand fifth and sixth all-time with over 13,600 yards a piece.
The other four are Edgerrin James (12,246 yards), Fred Taylor (11,695), Steven Jackson (11,388, still active), and Corey Dillon (11,241), all of whom have less of a chance.
Gore currently trails every other back in the 11,000 plus yards club, although may be able to add to that total if he continues to play.
Another factor to look at is touchdowns.
Gore has 75 total scores thus far in his career, and averages 7.5 per season. Of the 13 11,000 plus yard backs inducted into Canton, only four of them have less than 100 total touchdowns (Dickerson, Dorsett, Thomas and Simpson).
Gore has also never won a rushing title, although that may not carry as much weight as you would think. Five of the 13 failed to win a rushing title during their careers (Thomas, Riggins, Harris, Faulk and Dorsett).
In terms of being a dual threat, Gore was a prolific pass catcher when asked to do so, averaging 51 receptions a year from 06-10. He hasn't been asked to play that role recently though, as he's only caught a total 72 passes over the past four years.
Gore also had the misfortune of playing on some poor teams prior to 2011. The 49ers' record in Gore's first six seasons from 2005-2010 was 37-59 with no playoffs appearances. San Francisco has gone 44-19-1 since then, and have appeared in three NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl.
Through 8 playoff games, Gore has 140 carries for 646 yards and five touchdowns. He was outstanding in the Super Bowl, gaining 119 yards and a score, showing that when given the chance, Gore can shine on the big stage.
Beyond that stats, it should also be noted that in the era Gore played in, he was one of the best blockers at his position. Also, he's managed to play nine seasons as a bell cow, feature back, during a time in football when those kind of players are almost extinct.
Based on numbers alone, If Gore were to call it quits right now you'd have to say he's a borderline Hall of Famer. However, when you include his all around game and consider the era he played in, it may be enough to put him over the top.
Even if Gore is kept out, or it takes him a while to actually get in, it won't take away from what he's meant to the 49ers over the past decade. He's been a true professional in good times and bad, and will go down as arguably the best running back in franchise history.
