Veteran NFL running back Frank Gore eyeing new career in boxing

Former NFL running back Frank Gore battled Father Time for 16 seasons, racking up the third-most rushing yards in NFL history, so he knows a thing or two about going the distance.

That should serve him well as he looks to expand his athletic career.

Despite hearing from several teams about returning to the gridiron this season, Gore has so far declined because he's spending most of his time these days in the ring.

"I've been training for both — football and boxing," Gore, 38, told NFL.com. "I've always loved boxing, so that's what I've been doing. And we're trying to make a fight happen. If we do that, you'll see me in the ring."

Gore said he's regularly used boxing as a way to stay in shape, but lately he's taken things a step further in preparation for the real thing.

NFL.com reports he already has a high-profile fight in the works.

Gore played 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before bouncing around the AFC East the past three years with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.

Last year, at age 37, he started 14 games for the Jets -- adding 653 yards to his career rushing total, which now stands at an even 16,000. Only Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726) have more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Frank Gore: Longtime NFL running back now focused on boxing