Frank Gore Jr. has the strong backing from his NFL dad! The ex-Golden Eagles player recently made headlines with his NFL debut for the Buffalo Bills against the Jets. This happened amidst James Cook’s toe injury, which limited him in practice. As events unfolded, Gore’s unique connection with his father, former running back Frank Gore Sr., went viral on the internet during Monday Night Football.

During the game, the former San Francisco 49ers veteran running back was spotted cheering for his son. Before the Bills rookie’s debut, a heartfelt moment between the two captivated many. Frank Gore Sr. was there to encourage his son with uplifting words just minutes before Gore Jr.’s NFL debut. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, when Gore Jr. lost hope, it was his dad who kept him motivated.

Who is Frank Gore Sr.?

Frank Gore Jr., 22, has been raised by Frank Gore Sr., a well-known name in the NFL. Currently serving as an executive football advisor for the San Francisco 49ers, Gore Sr. played for the 49ers, Bills, Jets, Dolphins, and Colts as a running back—the same position his son plays.

After being drafted as the third-round pick by the 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft, Frank Gore left a remarkable impression during his 16 NFL seasons. Finishing his career with 16,000 rushing yards, he ranks third on the NFL’s all-time rushing list. He spent most of his time with the San Francisco 49ers.

Interestingly, he spent all five Pro Bowl seasons with the 49ers in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009, and 2006. Additionally, he secured a career-high 1,695 yards during his second-team All-Pro season in 2006 with the 49ers.

Besides this, just like his son, he also spent one of his seasons with the Buffalo Bills in 2019. After signing a one-year, $2 million contract with the Bills, he recorded 166 carries for 599 yards with two touchdowns during his Bills season.

Three years later, in 2022, after signing a one-day contract with the 49ers, he decided to retire from his NFL career. Thus, he concluded his career impressively. Holding the record for the most games played as a running back, with 241, he also competed in Super Bowl XLVII in 2012, although he did not win the SB trophy. Additionally, Gore, 41, has already been inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame. In 2026, he will be considered for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

With his NFL accomplishments, he has truly inspired his son, Gore Jr., who is following in his footsteps.

How did Dad inspire his son’s NFL Career?

After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, when Gore Jr. was feeling down, it was his dad who uplifted him. A few days after failing to make the 53-man roster, when he signed the contract with the Bills, Frank Gore Sr. was one of the proudest dads. His emotional moment spread massively on the internet. “We’re good. We’re going to Buffalo man to do our thing,” he remarked, showcasing his faith in his son and his unique upbringing.

Apart from that, Gore Sr. showcased his belief in his son during that time. “He’s the real deal. I’m happy to get my son to this point. We’re coming to play. Buffalo got a dog,” he remarked.

However, it wasn’t just his dad’s support that motivated him—Gore Jr. was self-driven as well. When he signed with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent, he shared his dad’s expectations for his football career. “Knowing that my dad wanted me here, I wanted to be here,” he added.

Now, as an NFL rookie running back, Gore Jr. is attempting to carve out his own spot in the NFL with the strength of one of his bloodline’s top players. “My dad has been preparing since I was like 14 years old for this,” Gore Jr. previously stated.

Besides that, he also adored his dad for pushing him into the NFL. “So when he says that, he says that confidently because knows what he pushed me, the tests he put me through and I’m never going to back down so that’s why he’s so confident about it,” he further added.

Frank Gore Jr. has indeed received invaluable advice from his father, who believes in the power of hard work and not letting others define your future. His father’s ultimate golden words for him are to focus on what he can control, and this advice has stayed with him.