The college football world learned sad news on Wednesday night. Due to a series of concussions, including one he sustained earlier this month, former three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year Grayson McCall announced his retirement from college football.
McCall was forced to make the difficult decision after doctors and brain specialists advised him to step away from the game.
The now-former North Carolina State and Coastal Carolina star announced the decision on his personal Instagram account.
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“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,” McCall wrote. “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,” he said.
McCall became an overnight sensation with Coastal Carolina during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. The star quarterback threw for 2,488 yards and 26 touchdowns, which each led the nation. In 2021 and 2022, he then led the nation in completion percentage with marks of 73.0 and 69.7 percent. He also led the country in passing touchdowns again in 2027 with 27. McCall had 24 in 2022.
From 2020 to 2022, McCall won the Sun Belt Player of the Year Award every season. He’s the only three-time winner in the award’s history, which dates back to 2001.
The college football world extended their best wishes to McCall after the heartbreaking announcement.
Wishing Grayson McCall all the best in retirement and his coaching journey.
I learned so much about the Spread Triple Option watching his Coastal Carolina Film and those games will always be in my Film Library 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1K3RXEix4i
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) October 24, 2024
NC State QB Grayson McCall announced has his retirement do to #concussions. The hit below was his last. We wish him the best as he finds his next passion. https://t.co/9IKpV58ws1 https://t.co/4GvGA2kjRh
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) October 24, 2024
Grayson McCall and 2020 Coastal Carolina permanently changed the way I engage with this sport. I would not be doing what I get to do now had they not opened my eyes to the joys of G5 football. I won’t forget him https://t.co/CltgXnq9FS
— Patrick Mayhorn (@patrick_mayhorn) October 24, 2024
Grayson McCall had a passer rating of 207.6 (!!) during the 2021 season while at Coastal Carolina.
Since 1956, it’s the second BEST rating for an FBS QB in a single season in CFB history.
The mullet on the teal turf was absolutely ELECTRIC.
Grayson McCall did that. https://t.co/NYDwYdhWoG pic.twitter.com/q2jY0XIJ9m
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) October 24, 2024
During the bleak COVID season, college football was awash in cancellations, eerie stadiums that’s were mostly empty and, if we’re being honest, some unwatchable football.
But Grayson McCall and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers gave us one of the best underdog stories the sport… pic.twitter.com/3iazY1cWjB
— Michael Calabrese (@EastBreese) October 24, 2024
Grayson McCall will always be a legend in Conway 🐐 https://t.co/VX93ipuofW pic.twitter.com/ydKUXlabCo
— Allen Marcus Harter (@AllenMHarter) October 24, 2024
Current teammates, former teammates and QBs from across the country reacted to Grayson McCall’s retirement announcement.
It’s clear he left an impact on the football community during his illustrious career.https://t.co/KXpCdfUNa0 pic.twitter.com/yDzLCII3hr
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) October 24, 2024
