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Marcus Lattimore Has Decided To Retire

By Ted Schwerzler

May 22, 2013; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore heads towards the locker room during organized team activities at the 49ers training complex. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2013; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore heads towards the locker room during organized team activities at the 49ers training complex. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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After taking time to make a calculated decision, Marcus Lattimore has decided to officially retire from the NFL.

The news that no athlete wants to face finally came to a head for San Francisco 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore on Wednesday. After considering all options and speaking with family, the former South Carolina Gamecocks standout informed the team Wednesday that he will retire.

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Despite working his way back from a gruesome knee injury suffered in college, Lattimore was unable to feel comfortable and back to 100% while practicing last week. He was then forced with making a very tough decision.

In speaking to the team today he said, “After prayer and careful consideration, I have decided it’s time to end my professional football career. 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.”

Lattimore also went on to thank the 49ers for putting faith in him and giving him a shot in saying, “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!”

In a truly heartbreaking move, Marcus Lattimore has watched his NFL career end before it ever truly got started. After being regarded as one of the most impressive running backs at the NCAA level, his body was derailed by injury and now he is forced to take the smart path in hopes of continued well being.

Best of luck to Marcus Lattimore in all of his future endeavors.

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