Frank Gore churns along quietly, obscured by a team around him who didn't go anywhere this season. But the veteran running back is on the verge of running into history, whenever he decides to hang up his cleats. The Indianapolis Colts reminded football fans of his longevity and ageless abilities on Saturday (Dec. 23), making several highlight-reel plays against the Baltimore Ravens. For his team, his effort hasn't made much of a difference this season. But it should be enough to land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Gore does it again

About halfway through the second quarter of Saturday's game, Gore put his talents on full display.

He took a dump pass from several yards behind the line of scrimmage. It seemed like the play would go for a loss or a minimal gain at best. Then, Gore found a way to duck, weave, and leap over every Ravens defender in his path, running into the end zone for the Colts' first score of the game.

The touchdown was actually the first of his career against the Ravens. It was also his first receiving touchdown of the season, reminding fans of his dual-threat capabilities out of the backfield. The fact that Jacoby Brissett has been throwing most of the passes for the Colts this season probably has something to do with that statistic.

Gore finished with just 68 rushing yards and 18 receiving yards, plus the touchdown. Nevertheless, he reminded fans of the place he deserves in Canton when his Hall of Fame nomination comes about.

Hall of Fame credentials

Gore has performed feats only a few running backs in NFL history have. Just last week, he became the second running back to record 1,000 yards from scrimmage in at least 12 consecutive seasons.

The only other running back to do it? Emmitt Smith, who became a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 2010.

Gore has quietly moved up the ranks of running back greats in major statistical categories. His 13,858 rushing yards rank fifth in NFL history.

The four players in front of him and six players behind him are in the Hall of Fame. Seven slots behind him is Adrian Peterson, who has always received more respect during his career. He's also tied with Tony Dorsett for the second-most rushing touchdowns in a career.

People who don't think of Gore as a Hall of Fame running back don't give him the recognition he deserves because he's never been flashy. Instead, he just goes to work in each and every day and provides consistent and positive value. That merits a spot in Canton.
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