Gore reunites with center Daniel Kilgore, who was traded to the Dolphins last week following the signing of free agent center Weston Richburg.
Gore departed San Francisco for Indianapolis following the 2014 season after becoming the 20th player in NFL history to rush for 11,000 career yards. He ranks fifth all-time in rushing with 14,026 yards and is just 75 yards shy of the number four spot currently owned by Curtis Martin.
Gore, who continues his march toward Canton, has rushed for over 1,000 yards nine times in his 13-year career and started all 16 games in each of his last six NFL seasons. In three years with Indianapolis, he has rushed for 2,953 yards on 784 carries with 13 touchdowns.
Former 49ers teammate Joe Staley believes Gore is an easy choice for the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible five years after retirement.
"Not only a Hall of Famer but a first-ballot Hall of Famer, I believe," Staley told Damon Bruce of 95.7 The Game in December. "He's an unbelievable running back. You just don't see that longevity, and the physicality, and everything at the position. For himself to be able to play as long as he has and also at a high level, it's unbelievable."
Gore, who is a five-time Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2009, 2011–2013), spent his first 10 seasons in San Francisco after the 49ers made him a third-round draft pick in 2005. In 13 NFL seasons, he has rushed for 14,026 yards (4.3 yards per carry) with 77 touchdowns.
While the 49ers declined to re-sign Gore following the 2014 season, there are no hard feelings by the running back. During a conference call with reporters in October before the Colts hosted the 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium, he said he remains a fan of the team that drafted him.
"I'd been there 10 years," Gore said. "That's what I bleed. I was bitter that first year, but that's the business. That's the business. I did right for that organization. I played hard. What can they say but great things about me? I want to see them do great."
During his career with the 49ers, Gore rushed for a franchise record 11,073 yards through 10 seasons. No 49ers running back in franchise history had more 1,000-yard rushing seasons than Gore, who had eight. He also carried the football 140 times for 646 rushing yards with five touchdowns in eight playoff appearances with the 49ers.
Gore will be 35 years old in May.
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