Former South Carolina running back, Marcus Lattimore, called it quits on his young NFL career Thursday. At the age of 23 Lattimore has decided to leave the game he loves due to an inability to rehabilitate the knee heinjured two years ago to the level necessary to play in the NFL. After being taken in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft by the 49ers, Lattimore had yet to see an NFL snap before retiring.
In 2010 Lattimore was named NCAA Freshman of the Year and led the Gamecocks to the SEC Championship game. In 2011, after a string of impressive performances, Lattimore tore a ligament in his knee and missed the rest of the season. In 2012, against the Tennessee Volunteers, Lattimore hyperextended his knee which led to a dislocated right knee as well as tremendous ligament damage. At the onset of the injury Lattimore was told that he might not be able to walk without some form of assistance for the rest of his life.
After being drafted by the 49ers Lattimore worked hard at rehabilitating his knee, eventually gaining enough strength to walk on his own. Even though Lattimore has given up on his NFL dream, he will return to South Carolina to finish his degree. Lattimore is expected to cash in on his tax free, insurance policy for $1.7 million.
