The comp to Curtis Martin is spot on. Lower expectations coming out of college because he was hurt a lot. And then, well, never really got hurt. Most RBs have a “peak” and then sustained competency while fending off injuries. Both Martin and Gore came in with a bang once they were the starter, put up consistent #1 back numbers forever, changed teams without a major dropoff other than a tick on the explosive play probability. HoF? Yes. Would I consider him a first ballot lock? No. If I were a voter I feel that his having played with B- QBs for his career certainly impacted his numbers (for better and worse), and at no time did you feel he was the best back in the league. But being a Top 5 guy for 10 years, then finally easing into the intelligent runner role (Marcus Allen) to add value, he stands out amongst peers.

Jamal Lewis is a more interesting case. 5 years of elite production (1 prison stint) and 3 years coasting in Cleveland. With TD in, nothing is off the table, but the “character issue” makes it easier. Steven Jackson lost it all at once. Clinton Portis also fizzled… but Frank Gore endured.

It will be interesting how they dissect his body of work.

Bettis, Martin, and Allen were superior to Gore at the tail end of their careers. And Martin/Allen had more productivity with different teams. Have no doubt Gore will take longer than Bettis to earn the HOF, I can’t remember a significant Gore-led win for the Colts.