Marcus Lattimore informs 49ers he intends to retire
One of the most promising running back prospects of the past decade is hanging up his spikes before ever carrying the ball in DeMar DeRozan Jersey an NFL game.Four years after the first of two gruesome knee injuries suffered at South Carolina, had begun , NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported over the weekend.The announced Wednesday that Lattimore will indeed retire."After prayer and careful consideration, I have decided it's time to end my profe sional football career," Lattimore said. "I have given my heart and soul to the game that I love, and it's time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life and help others. I have given every ounce of my energy toward making a full recovery from my knee injury, and I have made a lot of progre s. Unfortunately, getting my knee fully back to the level the NFL demands has proven to be insurmountable."Compared to as a dynamic freshman power back, Lattimore was once regarded as the best backfield prospect since was breaking records at Oklahoma. Even after a second devastating knee injury ended his college career prematurely, coach though highly enough of Lattimore to David Robinson Jersey proclaim the fourth-round pick of the ."This was a very difficult decision for Marcus and it was clear after speaking with him that he had put a lot of thought into it," general manager Trent Baalke said in statement released by the team. "He is a high-character young man who has done everything asked Derrick White Jersey of him and more during his time with us and we have a great deal of respect for the strength and commitment he showed throughout the rehab proce s. It has been a pleasure to have Marcus as a member of our team and our community and we are confident that he will be very succe sful in whichever path he chooses to take in life. We look forward to supporting Marcus and wish him nothing but the best."Per Rapoport, the paid Lattimore's during two years on the non-football injury list. The organization will not seek repayment of his $300,584 signing bonus. Additionally, Lattimore has a which he stands a good chance of collecting.Asked Wednesday if the received a good return on their investment in Lattimore, Harbaugh replied, "Yes. There's a Jakob Poeltl Jersey trusting, lasting friendship there."Cut down at the peak of his powers, a frank and introspective Lattimore is "sincerely disappointed" that his football career must end.Citing a "trust that God has a Tim Duncan Jersey great plan" for his future, Lattimore plans to re-enroll at South Carolina, where he is a few cla ses short of graduation. Once determined to with a return to the gridiron, Lattimore will now concentrate on building his foundation, which is dedicated to youth programs in South Carolina.The latest Around The NFL Podcast and returns the game "Win Gregg's Toaster." Find more Around The NFL content on .