Niner Noise
FanSided

Ranking the San Francisco 49ers GOATs at each position.

By James Jones

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 20: Former San Francisco 49ers player Jerry Rice is seen during a ceremony honoring the 1981-82 team at halftime of the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi's Stadium on December 20, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 20: Former San Francisco 49ers player Jerry Rice is seen during a ceremony honoring the 1981-82 team at halftime of the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi's Stadium on December 20, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 20: Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on December 20, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 20: Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on December 20, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Running Back: Frank Gore

While the list of 49ers running backs is long and illustrious, there is one name that simply rises to the top of any conversation on the subject: Frank Gore.

What has made Gore’s longevity in the NFL seem even more impressive is that when he was drafted in the third round in 2005, he entered the league amid serious concerns on his ability to stay healthy.

Gore had suffered a Grade 3 ACL tear to his right knee while he was a member of the Miami Hurricanes in 2002. Then in 2003 in a game against West Virginia, Gore tore his left ACL as well. There weren’t many experts who thought he would last through his rookie season, let alone become what he has to the league.

The running back is not only the 49ers all-time leading rusher with 11,073 yards on 2,442 attempts, but he enters this season on the cusp of more greatness. If Gore surpasses 521 yards on the ground in 2019, he will move past Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for No. 3 on the NFL’s all-time rushing list.

I am convinced Frank Gore is the greatest running back in San Francisco 49ers history.

Honorable mentions: Hugh McElhenny, Joe Perry, Roger Craig, Garrison Hearst