North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall has shockingly retired due multiple concussions he suffered this year, with his latest coming this month in a game against Wake Forest.
McCall took a hit to the head on October 5 and was stretchered off the field against the Demon Deacons. He was immediately transported to a local hospital.
He was released the same day, with the Wolfpack stating he was ‘alert and in good spirits’ after what ended up being his final gridiron play.
McCall played for Coastal Carolina for five seasons before transferring to NC State for his final college year.
He posted a lengthy statement on social media about the decision to retire.
McCall hopes to get into coaching now that his on-field college career has come to a close
McCall exited North Carolina State’s game against Wake Forest on October 5 with a head injury
‘As a young kid I never wanted to watch cartoons or do things that most of the other kids were doing. As a young kid I wanted to watch football and run around with the ball in my hand. Throughout that time, I developed a deep love and passion for the game.’
‘Through God’s work and some pretty good genetics, I found out that I could be better than all the other kids if I just kept working at it. As I began to develop and grow, I envisioned this crazy dream for myself to grow up and be just like the guys I was watching on TV.’
‘From Porter Ridge to Conway and this past year in Raleigh, this journey has been better than any dream I could’ve ever envisioned. This game has taken me places I never thought I would go, and has shaped my family and I in ways I never imagined. I have made so many memories that will stay with me forever, and I am so grateful for that.’
‘Unfortunately, my dream has been cut just short. As you all know I have battled injuries my whole career, but this is one that I cannot come back from. I have done everything I can to continue, but this is where the good Lord has called me to serve in a different space. Brain specialists, my family, and I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang the cleats up.’
McCall’s helmet came off during the collision that ended up being the final play of his career
Several of McCall’s teammates were devastated on the sideline at the sight of his injury
McCall, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, has retired from football after multiple concussions
‘As I feel like my whole world is being taken from me, I feel some sense of contentment. Every time my feet hit the grass, I left every single ounce of myself on that field. I always played my hardest and to the best of my ability because I never knew what play would be my last. I have no regrets throughout my career and that is something I can be proud of.’
‘I want to use this time to show my appreciation to everyone who has been along for the ride. To my family, friends, teammates, fans and all the coaches who have poured into me over the years, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you all, none of this would have ever been possible.’
‘I look forward to taking my passion and love for the game into the coaching space to serve and lead the next group of kids with a dream. Thank you.’
McCall was a three-time Sun Belt Conference player of the year while with the Chanticleers.
