Frank Gore: His Position Among 49ers Greats

One of the exciting aspects of this past Monday's game against the Saints was the halftime ceremony retiring Jerry Rice's #80 jersey. I'm a big fan of 49ers history, which is one of the reasons we have had howtheyscored providing all sorts of historical insight as to the franchise over time.

During Monday's game, running back Frank Gore surpassed 100 rushing yards for the 21st time in his career. That 21st time surpassed Joe Perry who previously held the record for most 100 yard rushing games during his career. Mike Tirico did mention it but otherwise it was a rather quiet event. In reaching this achievement, Gore finished the game with 5,711 rushing yards for his career. This places him fourth among all 49ers running backs in career rushing yards. The top four are as follows:

1. Joe Perry - 8.689 yards
2. Roger Craig - 7,064 yards
3. Ken Willard - 5,930 yards
4. Frank Gore - 5,711 yards

At this point, Gore will likely pass Willard in the next couple of games, leaving him 1,100 yards away from Roger Craig, and 2,700 yards away from franchise leader Joe Perry. Gore is signed through next season, but I'd have to imagine the team will do what it can to re-sign a guy who will end next year likely as the #2 running back in franchise history (at least for the purposes of yards).

In comparing the backs, the big difference between the top two and Frank Gore would have to be the touchdowns. Gore has 33 rushing touchdowns, while Craig had 50 and Perry had 68. The other difference between Gore and Craig is the receiving numbers.

In comparing the great running backs in 49ers history, where does Frank Gore stand at this point, and where do you see him standing when his career comes to a close?