Franklin Gore Jr. Bio
Franklin Gore Jr. is an American professional football running back who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 13, 2002, in Miami, Florida, Gore Jr. carries a legendary football legacy as the son of former NFL Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore. He played college football at the University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) from 2020 to 2023 before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Gore Jr. signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 and has continued his football journey with the organization, eventually earning a spot on the active roster during the 2026 playoff run.
Early Life and Background
Franklin Gore Jr. was born on March 13, 2002, in Miami, Florida, to Frank Gore and his family. Growing up in Miami, Gore Jr. was immersed in football from an early age, learning the game from his father who established himself as one of the NFL’s most durable and productive running backs. The younger Gore was surrounded by the sport’s traditions and expectations, setting the foundation for his own football aspirations. Despite his famous last name, Gore Jr. had to earn his place on every level of football, understanding that the Gore legacy came with both inspiration and pressure.
Gore Jr. attended Miami Killian Senior High School in Miami, Florida, where he played high school football as both a quarterback and running back. In his senior year, Gore showcased his dual-threat ability by compiling 1,111 rushing yards and thirteen touchdowns on just 113 carries. His performance as a rusher demonstrated the kind of explosive talent that would eventually carry him to the collegiate level. The versatility he displayed at Miami Killian, being able to play both quarterback and running back, illustrated his football intelligence and adaptability.
Path to Professional Football
After an impressive high school career at Miami Killian, Gore Jr. initially committed to Florida Atlantic University but later flipped his commitment to the University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss). This decision proved pivotal, as Southern Miss became the launching pad for his professional football dreams. Gore Jr. arrived at Southern Miss as a true freshman in 2020 and immediately made an impact, leading the school with 708 rushing yards on 121 carries, averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per attempt.
His true freshman campaign included three 100-yard games against North Texas, North Alabama, and Florida Atlantic. In a narrow 20-23 loss against UTSA, Gore Jr. scored a 51-yard rushing touchdown that highlighted his big-play ability. His outstanding freshman season earned him second-team all-conference honors and all-freshman recognition, signaling that he was a player to watch in the Sun Belt Conference. The foundation was laid for what would become a productive four-year college career that would prepare him for the next level.
Franklin Gore Jr. Career
Southern Miss Golden Eagles (2020–2023)
Gore Jr. continued to develop during his sophomore season at Southern Miss. Through the first ten games of his second season, he compiled 731 rushing yards on 162 carries while scoring two touchdowns. His consistency as a runner was evident, as he maintained his production despite increased defensive attention. Midway through the season, coaches made the strategic decision to name Gore Jr. the starting quarterback prior to a week eleven game against Louisiana Tech. He responded by throwing two touchdowns, leading the team to their second victory of the season and demonstrating the dual-threat versatility that made him a unique offensive weapon.
The 2022 season proved to be Gore Jr.’s breakthrough campaign. He was named First-team All-Sun Belt, recognizing his status as one of the conference’s top running backs. His most spectacular performance came in the 2022 LendingTree Bowl against Rice, where Gore Jr. rushed for an extraordinary 329 yards, setting an FBS bowl game record. He scored three touchdowns in that game, two on the ground and one through the air, showcasing his ability to impact games in multiple ways. The bowl performance cemented his reputation as an elite collegiate running back and provided a memorable highlight for his college career.
In his final season (2023), Gore Jr. earned Second-team All-Sun Belt honors for the second time in his career, having also received the accolade as a freshman in 2020. He concluded his college career by participating in the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl, where he was named the offensive MVP. Over four seasons at Southern Miss, Gore Jr. established himself as one of the program’s most accomplished running backs, leaving with multiple all-conference honors and a record-breaking bowl performance that scouts would remember during the NFL evaluation process.
Buffalo Bills (2024–Present)
Despite carrying the Gore name and an impressive college resume, Gore Jr. went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, his talent was recognized immediately, as he signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent following the draft. Joining the Bills meant reuniting with an organization that valued his football character and abilities. He reported to his first NFL training camp with the opportunity to prove himself among professional athletes.
His first NFL season included typical rookie challenges. On August 27, 2024, Gore Jr. was released during roster cuts but was re-signed to the Bills’ practice squad the following day. This pattern of being waived and re-signed to the practice squad would become familiar during his development. He eventually signed a reserve/future contract with Buffalo on January 27, 2025, signaling the team’s continued interest in his long-term development. The Bills continued their patient approach with Gore Jr. throughout the 2025 season, releasing him again on August 26 as part of final roster cuts before re-signing him to the practice squad once more.
The patience paid off during the 2025 season when Gore Jr. received his first significant NFL opportunity. On January 11, 2026, he was called up to the active roster from the practice squad for the Buffalo Bills’ Wild Card Round playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The call-up came following an injury to running back Ty Johnson, presenting Gore Jr. with his first opportunity to play in an NFL game during the most consequential time of the season. In his postseason debut, Gore Jr. caught one pass from star quarterback Josh Allen for six yards in limited action, recording his first NFL statistics during the Bills’ playoff run. Following the playoff experience, Gore Jr. signed another reserve-futures contract with the Bills on January 19, 2026, securing his place with the organization for the future.
Playing Style and Strengths
Gore Jr. plays the running back position with a style reminiscent of his father but with his own unique characteristics. Listed at 5 feet 8 inches and approximately 201 pounds, he possesses a compact, durable frame that allows him to absorb contact while maintaining speed. His vision and patience as a runner reflect the Gore family football IQ, allowing him to identify holes and make decisive cuts. His experience playing quarterback in college added another dimension to his skill set, as he understands offensive schemes from multiple perspectives and possesses the ability to make plays with his arm when needed.
Notable Achievements and Records
Gore Jr.’s most notable achievement remains his 329-yard rushing performance in the 2022 LendingTree Bowl against Rice, which set an FBS bowl game record. That single-game performance demonstrated his ability to take over a game and produce at the highest collegiate level. His three All-Sun Belt selections (one first-team, two second-team) over four seasons reflected consistent excellence in the conference. The offensive MVP honor at the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl provided additional validation of his abilities against top collegiate talent from around the country.
Franklin Gore Jr. Career Statistics
During his four-year college career at Southern Miss from 2020 to 2023, Gore Jr. established himself as one of the program’s most productive running backs. His consistent production included three 100-yard games as a true freshman and multiple all-conference recognitions throughout his career. The highlight of his collegiate career came in his record-breaking bowl game performance that showcased his ability to excel in high-pressure situations.
College Career Highlights
Gore Jr.’s college career at Southern Miss was highlighted by steady improvement and several memorable performances. His 708 rushing yards as a true freshman led the team, and his average of 5.9 yards per carry demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays. The three 100-yard games during his freshman season against quality opponents showed he could perform at a high level consistently. His sophomore season saw him on pace for similar production before an injury cut his season short, but the foundation remained strong for his later campaigns.
The 2022 LendingTree Bowl against Rice stands as the crown jewel of his college career. The 329 rushing yards he accumulated in that single game not only led his team to victory but also set a new FBS bowl game record, a testament to his talent and performance on the biggest stage. Combined with his three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) in that game, it represented the complete package of what Gore Jr. could provide as an offensive weapon. He followed that breakthrough season with another strong campaign in 2023, earning Second-team All-Sun Belt honors for the third time in his career.
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Franklin Gore Jr. comes from one of football’s most distinguished family bloodlines. His father, Frank Gore, is a former NFL running back who built a Hall of Fame-worthy career with the San Francisco 49ers and later played for the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles. The elder Gore retired as one of the NFL’s all-time leading rushers with over 18,000 career yards, establishing a standard of excellence that his son has grown up respecting and pursuing. Growing up as Frank Gore’s son meant learning the running back position from one of the game’s greats while also understanding the dedication required to succeed at the highest level.
Personal Life
While Gore Jr. maintains a public presence, detailed information about his personal life beyond football remains relatively private. He follows in his father’s footsteps by playing the same position and shares the same work ethic and dedication to the sport that characterized Frank Gore’s legendary career. His Instagram presence at @frankgore showcases his connection to the game and his family legacy. Gore Jr.’s journey from Miami Killian through Southern Miss to the NFL represents the continuation of a football family story that continues to unfold at the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of continued development for Gore Jr. with the Buffalo Bills organization. Despite being on and off the practice squad throughout the season, he maintained his readiness and worked on refining his skills in preparation for opportunities. The Bills’ coaching staff continued to evaluate his progress, seeing the value in his dual-threat abilities and football intelligence. The team’s patient approach reflected their belief in his long-term potential as an NFL contributor.
Gore Jr.’s season included the familiar pattern of being released and re-signed to the practice squad during the 2025 season, a common path for young players trying to establish themselves in the league. This experience, while challenging, provided valuable time learning the Bills’ offensive system and developing chemistry with teammates and coaches. His opportunity finally arrived when Ty Johnson’s injury opened a roster spot for the playoffs, demonstrating how quickly a player’s fortunes can change in the NFL. His performance in the Wild Card game against Jacksonville provided a glimpse of what Gore Jr. could bring to an offense when given the chance.
The outlook for Gore Jr. heading into the future remains positive as he continues his career with the Buffalo Bills. His signing of another reserve-futures contract in January 2026 indicated the Bills’ continued investment in his development. With his family legacy, college production, and playoff experience now on his resume, Gore Jr. has positioned himself as a player who could contribute more significantly in upcoming seasons. His journey from Miami to Southern Miss to Buffalo represents the perseverance and determination that define the Gore football family.