49ers RB Marcus Lattimore retires before ever playing a game
Marcus Lattimore's NFL career ended before it ever really had a chance to begin.
The San Francisco 49ers running back, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 draft but never could overcome the devastating knee injury that he suffered in his final season at the University of South Carolina, announced his retirement Wednesday.
'After prayer and careful consideration, I have decided it's time to end my professional football career,' Lattimore said in a statement. '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!'
Lattimore never appeared in a game for the 49ers and was never even healthy enough to be a member of their 53-man roster or practice squad.
'Though I am proud of what I have accomplished throughout my football career, I am sincerely disappointed that it must end, but I trust that God has a great plan for my future. As for what's next, I will be returning to the University of South Carolina to complete my degree,' Lattimore also revealed.
San Francisco remains in decent shape at the position moving forward even with Frank Gore in the final year of his contract. Carlos Hyde, a second-round pick in May, seems to be in line as the next featured back. The Niners also re-signed injured Kedall Hunter to a contract extension Monday.
But it still stings that Lattimore, regarded by many as the best tailback prospect in the 2013 draft prior to his injury and also a very popular player, will not get the chance to be part of the team's future.
'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,' said GM Trent Baalke. 'He is a high-character young man who has done everything asked 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 process. 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 successful in whichever path he chooses to take in life. We look forward to supporting Marcus and wish him nothing but the best.'
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