Grayson McCall retired from college football on Wednesday night.
McCall, who transferred to North Carolina State this offseason from Coastal Carolina, suffered a concussion earlier this month. And after a discussion with doctors and specialists, they deemed retirement the best course of action.
McCall announced the heartbreaking decision on his personal Instagram account. He penned a very lengthy message to fans, friends, and family.
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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 a sensation during the COVID-shortened 2020 season with the Chanticleers. He threw for 2,488 yards and 26 touchdowns, which each led the nation. In 2021 and 2022, he led the nation in completion percentage with marks of 73.0 and 69.7 percent. He led the country in passing touchdowns again in 2027 with 27. He had 24 in 2022. From 2020 to 2022, he 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.
Over the last two seasons, he only played 11 games due to injuries, including that concussion.
We wish McCall all the best in achieving a healthy quality of life.
