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FRISCO, Texas — What’s in a name?
When it comes to football, the name Frank Gore evokes consistent rushing production (the 16-year running back totaled 16,000 career rushing yards, the third-most in NFL history) and greatness. He is a surefire, future member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible in 2026.
However, for his son Frank Gore Jr., a 2024 NFL Draft running back prospect out of Southern Mississippi who earned East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP honors, the weight of the name proved to be a double-edged sword with plenty of pros and cons.
“A lot of expectation, a lot of doubt. A lot of judging. It was a lot,” Gore Jr. said of being his father’s namesake. “It was a blessing for sure because I got to be with my dad and be able to see how hard he worked and how much he put into the game. But there was a lot of doubt from others and outsiders. But I’ll say I overcame it, and I’m beating the odds for sure.”
The pressure ratched up when Gore Sr. pulled Gore Jr. out of private school to put him at the public high school he attended in South Florida, Coral Gables High School, to ensure his son was challenged early and often.
“He didn’t want to go to my school because he didn’t want all the pressure because of his name and what I had done in high school,” Gore Sr. said. “I told him ‘look bro, I just want you to be the best you want to be, the best you can be, but if you get mentioned with my name, you’re doing something good. You don’t have to worry about the pressure. You just have to go out, handle your business and do what you can do.'”
Although the future Hall of Famer understands his son dealt with a lot.
“I’ll probably be more happy than him when he gets his name called [in the draft],” Gore Sr. said. “I know it’s hard. Having a dad who was successful in the league, and he’s coming behind me with the same name and same position. He’s almost there. I…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-draft-frank-gore-says-southern-miss-rb-frank-gore-jr-is-real-deal-possesses-better-breakaway-speed/
Author : Garrett Podell
Publish date : 2024-03-25 13:47:12
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