It’s a big weekend for the 2020 New York Jets.
A quarterback from that team is about to lead the Seattle Seahawks into Super Bowl 60, while a running back is set to be announced as part of Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Sam Darnold and NFL great Frank Gore were part of that Jets team. Darnold struggled in his third season in the league and also dealt with injuries. Gore was 37 at the time but still played consistently. It would be the last time Gore had game action.
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Darnold would move on from the Jets, sit as backup in various spots, before remerging in Minnesota and now has a chance to complete the one of the great comeback stories in NFL history.
Darnold and Seahawks face the New England Patriots on Sunday in Super Bowl 60. Darnold was asked Wednesday what about Gore makes him Hall of Fame worthy.
“He’s just special,” Darnold said. “He’s one of those guys you can tell right off the bat right when you meet him, just how comfortable he is in his own skin. How confident he is as a football player. And that’s what makes him so great. He’s just a smart, smart guy. Just the way that he talks about football. He does it all. He does a great job obviously in the run game, pass protection, and running routes. He’s one of a kind. Towards the end of his career, when I was playing him, I feel like he had a ton of juice.”
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Gore was named to the NFL’s 2010 All-Decade Team. He holds the NFL record for most games played by a running back and ranks third all-time in rushing yards and rushing attempts.
He will find out Thursday at the NFL Honors ceremony if he’s been called to the Hall.
