Without Ever Playing For 49ers, Talented Running Back Marcus Lattimore Forced To Retire
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - The 49ers knew they were buying a lottery ticket in 2012 when they drafted former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore in the fourth round despite severe knee damage left over from a college injury. Unfortunately it doesn't look like that ticket will hit.
The team informed the media of Lattimore's plans to retire after never appearing in a game for the Niners.
Lattimore had spent just over two years working his way back from tearing all three knee ligaments in a game against Tennessee during his final year in college. He had been considered a likely first round pick prior to getting hurt, but fell to the Niners as a potential understudy to Frank Gore.
Lattimore practiced for three weeks near the end of last season, and returned to the practice field last month, but returned to the training on Saturday, and made a formal announcement about the decision to retire Wednesday, according to the 49er website.
"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," he wrote.
Lattimore holds the South Carolina school records for most rushing touchdowns (38) and total touchdowns (41).
"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 49ers general manager 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."
For now the 49ers will continue to lean on Gore and rookie Carlos Hyde to lead the rushing attack.
