3 reasons why Frank Gore isn’t a Hall of Famer (and why they’re wrong)

Reason No. 3: Frank Gore never achieved ‘best of the best’ accolades

No one will argue Frank Gore wasn’t very good. No one.

In fact, his being able to overcome multiple and serious injuries at the collegiate level, which led to the 49ers drafting him in Round 3 of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Miami, is a testament to the work ethic and dedication he had.

At no point in his storied career, though, did Gore stand out as one of the NFL’s top-end elite. You know, the reserve cast of players who receive multiple first-team All-Pro selections, MVP votes and placement on an All-Decade team list somewhere.

Gore didn’t get any of those during his 16-year career. Sure, he was a Pro Bowler five times during his NFL career, all of which came with the Niners. But if the Pro Football Hall of Fame is reserved solely for the Top Gun-quotable “best of the best,” Gore doesn’t reach that category.

Sports Illustrated Ron Borges explained:

"If one looks at his lengthy resume those 16,000 yards jump out at you because entrance to the Hall is about production. But if one looks a little deeper you find not a single year in which Gore led the NFL in any offensive category, including rushing yards. In fact, he was only in the top FIVE in rushing one season, 2006, when he ran for 1,645 yards. Although he went to five Pro Bowls, Gore was never once voted All-Pro. In 16 years he not only was never named the league MVP, he never got a single vote. So what was he really — Hall of Famer or Hall of Very Good?"

It’s a sound argument. One which many who state Gore isn’t a Hall of Famer will use.

As we’ll get to in a moment, though, even this argument has its flaws.