RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall is retiring from football after his latest concussion he suffered during a game earlier this month, he announced Wednesday.
McCall, a redshirt senior who transferred from Coastal Carolina in January, was carted off the field after a concussion during the Wolfpack’s 34-30 loss to Wake Forest on Oct. 5. He has a history of head injuries, including one last year that forced him to miss the final six games of Coastal Carolina’s season.
“Unfortunately, my dream has been cut just short,” McCall wrote in an Instagram post. “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 threw for 518 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in four games played for NC State this season. At Coastal Carolina, where McCall played from 2019 to 2023, including four years as starter, he threw for 10,005 yards, 88 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for the Chanticleers. McCall was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022.
In his Instagram post, McCall gave thanks to those who have supported him throughout his football career.
“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,” McCall said. “Without you all, none of this would have ever been possible.”
McCall said he plans to take “my passion and love for the game into the coaching space to serve and lead the next group of kids with a dream.”