INDIANAPOLIS -- Familiarity with the system and some of the staff and the desire to win a Super Bowl played a factor in new Colts running back Frank Gore's decision to change directions and not sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"It was tough," Gore said. "[The Eagles] really wanted me. When you're a free agent you want to be wanted. But I always wanted to come play for the Colts. I thought they had a [more] similar offense than the Eagles did."
Gore had intentions of signing with the Eagles at the start of free agency on Tuesday, but he reportedly had a change of heart last weekend. The Colts signed Gore to a three-year, $12 million deal.
Gore has University of Miami ties with the Colts: Coach Chuck Pagano and associate head coach Rob Chudzinski both spent time on the Hurricanes' coaching staff. Gore says he also likes the type of scheme offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton runs. Hamilton was on former San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh's staff at Stanford.
The Colts have been missing a running back of Gore's caliber during quarterback Andrew Luck's first three seasons.
Gore is coming off four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and he topped that mark eight of the past nine seasons while with the 49ers. The Colts finished 22nd in the league in rushing last season and haven't had a player rush for 100 yards in a game since the 2012 season.
Gore flew to Indianapolis on Tuesday evening on Colts owner Jim Irsay's private plane with former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson. Johnson ended up signing with the Colts Wednesday afternoon. The team is in need of a veteran possession receiver after it was announced last weekend that longtime Colt Reggie Wayne would not be returning.
Gore said his goal of winning his first Super Bowl was also a motivating factor in choosing the Colts.
"Every year with Andrew Luck being the quarterback, they've taken a step in the playoffs," Gore said. "So I feel like before I leave this game I want to win a championship and I think this team is the best situation for me to get there."