SANTA CLARA, Calif. Minnesota Vikings Jerseys . - Running back Marcus Lattimore never played an NFL snap because of two serious knee injuries while he was in college, and he has decided his knees might not hold up through the rigours of a 16-game season.Lattimore informed the San Francisco 49ers he will retire, two years after blowing out his right knee at South Carolina and working tirelessly to try to come back.After prayer and careful consideration, I have decided its time to end my professional football career, Lattimore said in a statement released by the team. I have given my heart and soul to the game that I love, and its 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 team made the announcement Wednesday, two days after coach Jim Harbaugh said Lattimore was weighing his football future. Meanwhile, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said he told Lattimore there will be a position for him at his former university.Harbaugh said he and Lattimore spoke last week and during the weekend.He gave it his best shot, Harbaugh said. Theres a trusting, lasting friendship there.The 23-year-old Lattimore, San Franciscos 2013 fourth-round draft pick, practiced for the first time last Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday. He was eligible to return after Week 6, but Harbaugh said Lattimore had doubts his knees would allow him to play at the highest level long term.I talked to him. He made his mind up, running back Frank Gore said. Its tough, man.Lattimore spent his rookie season last year on injured reserve after tearing major ligaments in both knees during college playing for the Gamecocks. The serious knee injuries derailed his 2011 and 12 seasons before the Niners took a chance on him in the draft anyway.I was looking forward to seeing him on the field, seeing what he could do, quarterback Colin Kaepernick said.He underwent surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in 2011, then injured the right knee in October 2012.Its a tough business, veteran place kicker Phil Dawson said. Were all walking a fine line here. You spend so much time training and dreaming and working and one play can change the course of your entire career. Marcus is a great guy. Hes got a lot going for him. I think hell be successful in whatever he decides to do, but it makes those of us who are still playing grateful for the opportunities we have each and every day.___AP Sports Writer Pete Iacobelli in Columbia, S.C., contributed to this report.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Randy Moss Jersey . Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes, the bandleader of the beard brigade during Bostons run to the 2013 World Series title, said he will be shaving his off before spring training so that he can file it "in the archive" with his memories of the teams improbable championship. Brian ONeill Jersey . - Steve Stricker usually doesnt show up at a tournament on Sunday. http://www.shopvikingsauthentic.com/Customized/ . After deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league would consider pulling out of Sochi if something "significant" happens before players arrive, those set to participate are trying not to worry about that scenario.Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Brice Johnson had 18 points and nine rebounds in the 24th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels 82-74 victory over the 12th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at the United Center. Marcus Paige added 16 points for the Tar Heels (8-3), who have won two in a row since a loss at top-ranked Kentucky on Dec. 13. Justin Jackson tallied 11 points. Marc Loving ended with 19 points for the Buckeyes (9-2), who had a four-game winning streak snapped. Sam Thompson contributed 17 points. North Carolina jumped out to a 17-8 lead and never looked back. Ahead 28-21, the Tar Heels went on a 15-6 run that Paige ccapped with a four-point play for a 43-27 advantage. Trevor Siemian Vikings Jersey. Ohio State scored the final four points of the first half to get within 12. Trailing 64-46 midway through the second half, the Buckeyes put together a 16-6 run. Thompson tallied six points during the surge to help make it a 70-62 contest. However, Ohio State never got closer than seven the rest of the way. Game Notes North Carolina leads the all-time series by an 11-2 margin ... Ohio State shot 35.2 percent from the field and went 10-of-29 from beyond the arc ... The Tar Heels went 21-of-33 from the foul line. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '