In the highly competitive world of the NFL, every preseason provides an opportunity for unheralded players to showcase their talents and stake their claim for a coveted roster spot.
This year, one name that has been on everyone’s lips is Frank Gore Jr., an undrafted rookie running back who has taken the league by storm with his impressive performances.
The Undrafted Rookie Making Waves
Frank Gore Jr. arrived in Buffalo without a draft selection to his name, but the undrafted running back has made the Bills’ 2025 preseason impossible to ignore.
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Miss, Gore Jr. has used every exhibition snap to build a case that roster evaluators cannot easily dismiss — delivering the kind of dual-threat production that stands out even in a crowded backfield competition.
Gore Jr.’s Preseason Explosion
Gore Jr. entered the 2025 preseason as a long shot, but his numbers tell a different story.
He became the only player in the league to surpass 100 yards both rushing and receiving during the exhibition slate, adding 11 receptions for 109 yards through the air to his ground production.
That kind of versatility — the ability to line up in the backfield, work out of the slot, and contribute as a pass-catcher — is exactly what modern NFL offenses demand from their depth backs.
The bloodlines are real, too: his father, Frank Gore, played 16 seasons in the league, including a stint with the Bills, and retired with over 16,000 career rushing yards, ranking him among the top five rushers in NFL history.
…But Will It Be Enough?
What has separated Gore Jr. from the preseason noise is not just the yardage totals — it is how he has accumulated them.
He has consistently made defenders miss in open space, shown patience behind the line of scrimmage, and demonstrated the vision to identify cutback lanes before they fully develop.
He also contributed on special teams, recording a tackle in kick coverage, which signals to coaching staffs that he can earn a roster spot through multiple roles.
The one blemish — a fumble during his standout stretch — is a detail the Bills’ coaching staff will monitor, but it has not overshadowed an otherwise commanding audition.
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
The math, however, remains difficult for Gore Jr. Buffalo’s backfield is already stacked at the top.
James Cook is locked in as the lead back after posting 1,308 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns in 2024 — numbers that made him one of the most productive running backs in the AFC. Ty Johnson and Ray Davis round out a group that gives the Bills legitimate depth before Gore Jr. even enters the conversation.
Most teams carry three running backs on their 53-man roster, which means Gore Jr. is likely fighting for a practice squad designation at minimum.
That said, his preseason tape has almost certainly generated interest around the league, and a waiver claim from a team with a thinner backfield is a realistic outcome if Buffalo moves on.
What’s Next for the Promising Prospect?
The family context adds a layer to this story that goes beyond name recognition.
Frank Gore is not just a famous father — he is one of the most durable and productive runners in NFL history, a player who ground out 653 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 187 carries for the New York Jets in his final season at age 37 in 2020.
That kind of longevity required elite conditioning, film study, and mental toughness. Gore Jr. has spoken publicly about the mentorship his father provided, crediting him with instilling the work habits and competitive mindset needed to survive at the professional level.
Whether that pedigree translates into a long career remains to be seen, but the foundation is clearly there.
