Was former 49er running back Frank Gore snubbed from the 2026 first ballot Hall of Fame?
When the Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2026, one of the biggest talking points wasn’t just who made it, it was who didn’t.
The news came with a bittersweet twist for 49ers supporters.
Former San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, one of the most productive and durable players the NFL has ever seen, was notably absent in his first year of eligibility, leaving many fans and analysts surprised.
While Gore will have to wait, fellow San Francisco legend Roger Craig finally secured his place in Canton.
Craig, long viewed as one of the most deserving players not yet inducted, entered as a senior finalist, ending years of debate about his Hall of Fame candidacy.
Despite missing out this year, Gore has handled the situation with perspective.
He publicly expressed happiness for Craig, noting that he’d rather see another 49ers running back enjoy the spotlight alone than split attention during induction weekend.
Gore’s NFL journey began when San Francisco selected him in the third round of the 2005 draft out of the University of Miami.
Concerns about his durability followed him into the league after two ACL injuries in college, yet he quickly put those doubts to rest.
As a rookie, Gore led the 49ers in rushing, the first first-year player to do so for the team in more than a decade, and never looked back.
Across 16 NFL seasons, Gore built a reputation as the model of reliability.
He rushed for over 16,000 yards, trailing only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton on the all-time list at the time of his retirement.
His career included five Pro Bowl selections, an All-Pro nod, nine 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and a place on the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team.
He also totaled nearly 20,000 yards from scrimmage, ranking among the best in league history, while scoring 99 total touchdowns.
Gore hasn’t hidden his desire to eventually join the Hall of Fame, but he remains appreciative of the career he built, especially considering the injuries he overcame early on.
Given his résumé and reputation across the league, many believe his wait could be temporary.
Gore remains the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher with 11,073 yards, a mark that comfortably surpasses previous franchise greats.
Even after leaving San Francisco, he continued producing solid seasons with the Colts, Dolphins, Bills, and Jets, extending his career well beyond the typical shelf life for running backs.
For now, though, one of football’s most reliable stars remains just outside Canton, still respected and likely still destined for a gold jacket in the years ahead.