Grayson McCall has announced his retirement from football. North Carolina State’s QB is suffering from a concussion and has decided to sit out the game due to injury.
McCall, who started his career at Coastal Carolina, took a hard hit against Wake Forest on Oct. 5, went down and was ejected for a cart. He then headed to the hospital and was later released to spend time with his family as he recovers, North Carolina State coach Dave Doeren said.
However, given his history of head injuries, McCall decided it was time to hang up his spikes. He explained his decision in a heartfelt post on Instagram Wednesday night.
“This past year from Porter Ridge to Conway to Raleigh has been better than any dream I could have ever dreamed,” McCall wrote. “This game has taken me to places I never thought I would go and shaped my family and me in ways I never imagined. It has created so many memories that will last forever. , I’m very grateful.
“Unfortunately, my dream came to an end. As you all know, I have battled injuries throughout my career and this is an injury of no return. I will do whatever I can to continue. But this is where the good Lord has called me to serve elsewhere. As a brain expert, my family, and I, hanging up the cleats is my best bet. I came to the conclusion that it was a benefit.”
Grayson McCall’s career details and future plans
Grayson McCall spent five years at Coastal Carolina, where he burst onto the national stage under Jamie Chadwell. He had a great three-year stretch from 2020 to 2022, throwing at least 20 touchdowns each season. His biggest run came in 2021, when he completed 73% of his passes for 2,873 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Overall, McCall threw for 10,005 yards and 88 touchdowns during his time with the Chanticleers. He then entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season and attended North Carolina State University for his final year of college football, where he threw for 518 yards and two touchdowns before getting injured.
But now that his playing career is over, McCall said he still plans to compete. He is preparing to become a coach and pass on his knowledge.
“It feels like my whole world is being taken away from me, but I feel a certain sense of satisfaction,” McCall said. “Every time my feet hit the grass, I left everything I had on that field. I never knew which play would be my last, so I always played with all my might. I have no regrets through this and it’s something to be proud of. I would like to take this time to thank everyone who has been a part of this drive. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my teammates, fans, and all the coaches who have poured into me over the years. None of this would have been possible without you. did.
“I look forward to bringing my passion and love for the game to the coaching field and serving and guiding the next group of kids with dreams.”
