Frank Gore spent 16 glorious years in the NFL before retiring in 2020 as the third most-prolific rusher (16,000 yards) in league history. Despite featuring in 241 games and perfecting all those high-pressure plays, Frank was never as nervous for a professional contest as he is tonight.
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What makes the Buffalo Bills-New York Jets Monday Night Football game so special? Gore’s son, Frank Gore Jr., is making his NFL debut.
The undrafted rookie from Southern Mississippi got the call-up to the Bills’ active roster after starting running back James Cook (toe) was ruled out.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo chatted with Frank Gore on the sidelines ahead of his son’s first game. Mike said Frank told him he was “excited” to watch his son live out his dream. However, he admitted to being extremely nervous, even more nervous than the time he used to play himself.
Spoke to Frank Gore briefly just now. Said he’s excited for his son’s first game “but nervous.” More nervous than when he played? “Absolutely.” https://t.co/G2TAWaRmLH
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 14, 2024
Multiple fans understood Gore’s perspective on seeing Gore Jr. take the NFL gridiron:
I get it completely
More nervous for things you can’t control versus things you can control
— JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) October 14, 2024
I totally get it
Its so different when you cant control anything and its your kid
— eagles (@Eaglesfaninoc) October 14, 2024
One commenter congratulated Gore and Gore Jr. for the tremendous accomplishment:
What a proud moment for Frank! Excited to see Jr. make his mark with the Bills!
— Graduates 2.0 (@GraduatesClg) October 15, 2024
A fan’s confusion made for a funny comment:
Not gonna lie – when I saw “Frank Gore activated from PS and will play tonight” in thought, “Dang, he’s still playing in his 40’s?”
— Michael Ortiz (@Michaellortiz62) October 14, 2024
Gore is not expected to be deeply involved in the Bills’ offense but could make an impact. Fourth-round rookie Ray Davis and veteran Ty Johnson are slated to handle the bulk of Buffalo’s running back snaps.