Miami Dolphins Frank Gore is still an impressive player

When the Miami Dolphins decided to sign free agent running back Frank Gore, some wondered if the aging veteran had anything left. They aren’t anymore.

Frank Gore looked good in off-season workouts and during mini camps and OTA’s. He looks even better through three days of training camp. For those thinking that Miami’s featured back is Kenyan Drake, think again. The Dolphins are going to have a committee in the back-field.

Gore is bringing more than just a veteran leadership voice to the team. In fact he is making a case for another one or maybe even a two-year deal. The players and the fans in the stands have been impressed with his age defying youthfulness.

Entering his 14th season in the NFL, Gore is proving that with the right regiment you can play into your 30’s as a running back. Gore is 35. Last season Gore rushed for 961 yards with the Colts. The year before that he rushed for 1,025. In fact in his last seven seasons he has only rushed for under 1,000 yards twice. His lowest career output was in 2005, his rookie year when he ran for 608 yards and in 2010 when he rushed for 853. He missed five games that season.

It is unknown what Gore will be asked to do in Miami but if anyone thought that he was coming here to be a back-up or spell Drake, they might want to guess again. Even Adam Gase isn’t questioning the player who is only five years younger than himself.

"(RB Frank Gore had a nice run today. Do you scratch your head when you turn on the tape, the age of this guy?) – “I’m not paying attention to his age anymore because, I mean, he doesn’t look different. I was with him 10 years ago and he looks the same. He does a phenomenal job. He’s been preparing. All spring all I heard about was ‘Wait until training camp, wait until training camp.’ I’m like ‘I’ve got you. I believe you, trust me.’ He is the last person I will ever doubt. Just seeing what he’s done through his career, starting in college, he’s proven every person wrong that ever doubted him.” – MiamiDolphins.com"

This is really good news for a Dolphins offense that can rotate Gore, Drake, and even rookie Kalen Ballage through the offense. Each bringing something different to the playbook and hopefully giving defenses trouble.

Gore is going to give Adam Gase every reason to be that “featured” back in this offense and it will not come as a surprise when opening day has Gore listed as the top running back. In fact, Gore will probably be the first back when the team releases their first depth chart. With everything Gore has done in the league, it’s only fitting. Especially because he is practicing like a number one.