Ohio State legend James Laurinaitis announces retirement from NFL

Eight is enough for James Laurinaitis.

The Ohio State All-American linebacker announced Tuesday he is retiring from the NFL.

The Minnesota native spent his first seven seasons with the St. Louis Rams before playing for the New Orleans Saints last season.

He was a two-time captain for the Buckeyes, who beat Michigan and won the Big Ten all four years he was in Columbus.

Laurinaitis was part of the first Ohio State class to go 4-0 against the Wolverines.

They also played for two national championships, losing to Florida and then LSU his sophomore and junior seasons.

He won the Butkus Award as a junior and was a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year before being drafted in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Rams.

About the Author