Frank Gore Jr. Bio
Franklin Gore Jr. (born March 13, 2002) is an American professional football running back for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and signed with the Bills in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. He is the son of former NFL running back Frank Gore.
Early Life and Background
Franklin Gore Jr. was born on March 13, 2002, in Miami, Florida. Growing up in a football household, he was exposed to the sport at an early age through his father, Frank Gore, one of the most accomplished running backs in NFL history. That family connection helped shape his understanding of the position and the work ethic required to succeed at the highest level.
Gore Jr. attended Miami Killian Senior High School in Miami, Florida, where he played both quarterback and running back. As a rusher in his senior year, he compiled 1,111 yards and thirteen touchdowns on 113 carries, establishing himself as a versatile and productive offensive talent. His dual-threat experience at the high school level foreshadowed the multi-dimensional role he would later embrace in college.
Path to American Football
Coming out of Miami Killian, Gore Jr. was a recruit with a clear football pedigree. He originally committed to Florida Atlantic before flipping his commitment to Southern Miss, choosing to develop with the Golden Eagles program. The decision marked the first major step in his transition from a high school standout to a collegiate contributor.
As a true freshman at Southern Miss, Gore Jr. quickly established himself, leading the team with 708 rushing yards on 121 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. He posted three 100-yard games against North Texas, North Alabama, and Florida Atlantic, and scored a 51-yard rushing touchdown in a narrow loss to UTSA. His production earned him second-team all-conference honors and an all-freshman selection, reinforcing his status as a rising talent.
Frank Gore Jr. Career
College Career (2020-2023)
Gore Jr.’s college career at Southern Miss continued to build across multiple seasons. Through the first ten games of his second season, he compiled 731 rushing yards on 162 carries and scored two touchdowns, demonstrating consistent volume as the Golden Eagles’ featured back. In a week eleven game against Louisiana Tech, he was deployed at quarterback and threw two touchdowns, leading Southern Miss to their second victory of the season and showcasing his athletic versatility.
His junior season produced one of the defining statistical performances of his college career. In the 2022 LendingTree Bowl against Rice, Gore Jr. rushed for 329 yards, setting an FBS bowl game record. He also scored three touchdowns in the game, two rushing and one passing, cementing his reputation as a big-stage performer. He followed that effort with second-team All-Sun Belt recognition in 2023 and was later named the offensive MVP of the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl, a strong closing chapter to his collegiate resume.
Buffalo Bills Era (2024-Present)
Gore Jr. went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career in one of the league’s most stable offensive systems. On August 27, 2024, he was released and re-signed to the practice squad the following day, the typical early-career path for an undrafted rookie.
On January 27, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Bills, signaling the organization’s continued interest in his development. On August 26, 2025, Gore Jr. was released by the Bills as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day, keeping him within the team’s developmental pipeline.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gore Jr. is recognized for his balance of vision, contact balance, and receiving ability out of the backfield. His experience as a high school and college quarterback gives him a rare understanding of offensive structure, allowing him to contribute in multiple roles. That football intelligence, paired with his father’s professional pedigree, gives him a foundation to refine his craft within Buffalo’s running back room.
Notable Events and Milestones
Gore Jr.’s 329-yard performance in the 2022 LendingTree Bowl against Rice stands as an FBS bowl game record and remains the headline moment of his playing career to date. His selection as offensive MVP of the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl further highlighted his pro readiness. Transitioning from an undrafted free agent signing to a reserve/future contract holder in just over a year represents another meaningful milestone in his young career.
Frank Gore Jr. Career Wins
Frank Gore Jr.’s career is still in its early professional stages, and his verified statistical résumé is primarily built on college achievements rather than NFL wins. His standout moments at Southern Miss, including bowl and all-star game honors, form the foundation of his public record of success.
College Highlights
At Southern Miss, Gore Jr. earned second-team All-Sun Belt recognition in 2020 and 2023, and was named first-team All-Sun Belt in 2022, the same season he set the FBS bowl rushing record against Rice. His three 100-yard games as a freshman against North Texas, North Alabama, and Florida Atlantic marked his earliest signature performances.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his individual accolades, Gore Jr. helped lead Southern Miss to key victories, including a win over Louisiana Tech in 2021 in which he threw two touchdowns at quarterback. His offensive MVP award at the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl added another feather to his pre-professional cap.
Frank Gore Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Frank Gore Jr. is the son of Frank Gore Sr., one of the most accomplished running backs in NFL history and a five-time Pro Bowl selection during his own Hall of Fame-caliber career. That lineage has shaped his understanding of the running back position and the discipline required to compete professionally.
Personal Life
Public details about Gore Jr.’s personal life beyond his family connection to Frank Gore Sr. are limited. He was raised in Miami, Florida, and continues to pursue his professional football career with the Buffalo Bills organization.
2025 Season Performance
Frank Gore Jr.’s 2025 NFL outlook is centered on development within the Buffalo Bills system after signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025. While he was released as part of final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, his return to the practice squad the following day keeps him within the organization’s long-term plans.
As an undrafted free agent, his path to active roster opportunities depends on continued growth in practice and any injuries or rotations within the Bills’ running back room. His versatility as a runner, receiver, and occasional passer gives the coaching staff multiple ways to evaluate his upside.
With the 2025 regular season underway, Gore Jr.’s focus remains on earning a sustained role with the Bills and building on the foundation laid during his record-setting college career at Southern Miss.
