Frank Gore's Legendary Career Could Be Over After Season-Ending Injury

New York Jets running back Frank Gore suffered a season ending lung injury on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. His Hall of Fame career could be over

One day after becoming the third player in NFL history to reach 16,000 rushing yards, Frank Gore's career is in jeopardy of abruptly coming to an end.

The 37-year-old left Sunday's victory over the Browns early with a lung contusion, Jets head coach Adam Gase revealed on Monday afternoon. He will not play in New York's season finale next weekend against New England and was officially placed on injured reserve Wednesday afternoon.

Gore's 48 rushing yards against Cleveland got him to exactly 16,000 across his 16-year career. Only Emmitt Smith (18.355) and Walter Payton (16,726) have more rushing yards than Gore in NFL history. 

The veteran and future Hall of Famer leads New York with 653 rushing yards this season on 3,735 carries. Off the field, he's been a "phenomenal" leader for New York's young roster, setting an example by showing up to work everyday in the midst of a grueling campaign. 

"He's helped keep these guys together, shown them the right way to do things," Gase said in a conference call on Monday. "I think he's been great in the running back room with the amount of young players we have in there. I think the young players just in general on the whole team seeing him work day in and day out and understanding no matter what your record is, how you're supposed to come into work, how you're supposed to go through practice, how you're supposed to play the game. I can't say enough as far as what he's done leading by example."

Jets quarterback Sam Darnold echoed his head coach, praising Gore's work ethic. 

"The young guys including myself and all the guys on the team look at him and you just want to embody everything that he shows on a day-to-day basis," Darnold said. "It’s so consistent, and that’s why he’s had such a long career, that’s why he’s had the career that he’s had, because of how consistent he is day in and day out, regardless of circumstance ... He’s a great leader for this team and one of the best ones to ever do it. I’m super happy to have played with him and very grateful to play with him this year."

Across nearly two decades in the NFL, Gore has made five Pro Bowls and has rushed for 1,000-plus yards in nine different seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, the team that drafted him in the third round back in 2005, as well as the Colts, Dolphins and Bills. 

This season certainly hasn't gone as planned for Gore, but at least it ended on a high note. Earlier in the year, when the Jets were still winless, Gore opened up about playing for a team that was on pace to finish 0-16. 

"We've got to get one. You don't want to go 0-16, especially since this might be my last year. I can't go out like that," Gore said.

His final two games in 2020 were victories. Whether this ends up as his last year or not, it's only a matter of time until Gore ends up in Canton where he belongs. 

Follow Max Goodman on Twitter (@MaxTGoodman), on Facebook (also @MaxTGoodman), be sure to bookmark Jets Country and check back daily for news, analysis and more.