Marcus Lattimore is calling it a career.
The San Francisco 49ers running back announced his decision to retire from the NFL on Wednesday, saying in a statement that a comeback from devastating knee injuries he suffered in college proved “insurmountable” to overcome.
“After prayer and careful consideration, I have decided it’s time to end my professional football career,” Lattimore said, per the team’s website. “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 progress. Unfortunately, getting my knee fully back to the level the NFL demands has proven to be insurmountable.
“I am grateful for the entire 49ers organization. Their decision to draft me was the realization of a lifelong dream to be an NFL player, and I cannot thank them enough for believing in me and for doing everything in their power to assist in my recovery. I will always be a 49er!”
The former South Carolina standout suffered two devastating knee injuries during his collegiate career, first suffering a torn ACL and torn MCL in his left knee during his sophomore season in 2011. Lattimore returned in 2012, but dislocated his knee cap and tore three ligaments in a game against Tennessee.
The 23-year-old, who was drafted by the 49ers in the fourth round of the NFL draft, spent the entire 2013 season on the non-football injury list and began this season on the list as well. Lattimore began practicing with the team this week in the hopes of getting back on the field this season, but he’ll end his career before ever appearing in a pro game.
Lattimore will return to South Carolina, where he majored in public health, and finish his degree.
Photo via Kelley L. Cox/USA TODAY Sports Images
