It doesn't seem like it was long ago when James Laurinaitis was delivering big blows as an All-American linebacker at Ohio State...but it has. Laurinaitis, a starting linebacker for the St. Louis Rams for seven years--and then a reserve for the New Orleans Saints last season, announced on Twitter Tuesday that he is ending his eight-year NFL career.
Laurinaitis leaves pro football, as the Rams franchise leader in tackles. He will also go down as one of the more beloved Ohio State players. He may be best remembered for his first game. With Bobby Carpenter injured in the first series, at Michigan in 2005, Laurinaitis, a freshman at the time, checked in and was a key factor in the Buckeyes 25-21 win in Ann Arbor.
If don't remember the kind of player Laurinaitis was at Ohio State--or just want to reminisce, take a look at this highlight video.