Frank Gore Jr. will make his debut for the Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football” against the New York Jets after being elevated from the practice squad.
Gore Jr., the son of legendary running back Frank Gore Sr., went undrafted but signed for the Bills in the offseason and was signed to the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster. With starting running back James Cook limited in Saturday’s practice due to suffering a toe injury, it presents a major opportunity for Gore Jr. to impress.
His father defied the running back stereotype after enjoying a 16-year career in the NFL and holds the record for most games played in his position. Gore Sr. also ranks third in NFL career rushing yards and believes the other 31 teams made a mistake by passing up the opportunity to sign his son.
Gore Jr. was devastated after going undrafted, but then the Bills offered him a lifeline and his father has promised that the team won’t regret it. Gore Sr. was emotional after his son received a contract, and said to NFL insider Josina Anderson: “We’re good. We’re going to Buffalo man to do our thing.
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“Tell them they better be ready-trust me. I know what I’m raising. Folks slept on my son; they slept on me too – they’ll see. My bloodline is for real. Our (pre-draft) testing was identical. All the scouts were like you can tell that’s my son.
“He’s the real deal. I’m happy to get my son to this point. We’re coming to play. Buffalo got a dog; I promise you that. I don’t give a —- about a draft pick. We’re about to party and do our thing.”
Gore Jr. had 1,131 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior year at Southern Miss and also had three receiving touchdowns that year. It wasn’t enough to be considered in the 2024 NFL Draft, even though he impressed scouts ahead of draft night.
For Gore Jr., the draft snub gave him even more motivation to enjoy a successful NFL career. He saw 257 prospects which included 20 running backs get selected ahead of him, something he strongly disagreed with.
On the first day of the Bills rookie minicamp earlier this year, Gore Jr. was keen to prove himself and ensure he makes it onto the field this season. “It pushed me a lot,” Gore said regarding his mindset after going undrafted. “I feel like there’s no way 257 people [were] better than me in this draft, but now that that process is over, I’m a Bill.
“I’m here to compete and I’m here to push my teammates and push the running back room and try to get on special teams… I’m here now and I’m here to prove people wrong.”
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