North Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall surprisingly retired due to multiple concussions he suffered this year, with the latest coming this month in a game against Wake Forest.
McCall received a hit to the head on October 5 and was stretchered off the field against the Demon Deacons. He was immediately taken to a local hospital.
He was released the same day, with the Wolfpack stating that he was “alert and in good spirits” after what ended up being his last play on the field.
McCall played for Coastal Carolina for five seasons before transferring to NC State for his senior year of college.
He posted a lengthy statement on social media about the decision to retire.
Grayson McCall retired from football after multiple concussions and six college seasons.
McCall left North Carolina State’s game against Wake Forest on Oct. 5 with a head injury.
‘As a child I never wanted to watch cartoons or do things that most other children did. When I was a child I wanted to watch football and run with the ball in my hand. “Throughout that time, I developed a deep love and passion for the game.”
‘Through the work of God and some pretty good genetics, I discovered that I could be better than all the other kids if I kept working at it. As I began to develop and grow, I imagined this crazy dream: to grow up and be like the kids I saw on TV.
‘From Porter Ridge to Conway and last year in Raleigh, this trip has been better than any dream I could have ever imagined. This game has taken me places I never thought I would go and has shaped my family and me in ways I never imagined. “I have created so many memories that will stay with me forever and I am so grateful for that.”
‘Unfortunately, my dream has been cut short. As you all know, I have battled injuries my entire career, but this is a situation I cannot recover from. I have done my best to continue, but this is where the good Lord has called me to serve in a different space. The brain specialists, my family and I have come to the conclusion that it is best for me to hang up.’
McCall’s helmet came off during the collision that ended up being the last play of his career.
Several of McCall’s teammates were devastated on the sidelines at the sight of his injury.
McCall hopes to become a coach now that his college career on the field has come to an end.
‘When I feel like my whole world is being taken away from me, I feel a certain sense of satisfaction. Every time my feet touched the grass, I left every ounce of me on that field. I always played my best and the best I could because I never knew what the last play would be. “I have no regrets throughout my career and that is something I can be proud of.”
‘I want to take this time to show my gratitude to everyone who has been present on this trip. To my family, friends, teammates, fans and all the coaches who have poured into me over the years, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without all of you, none of this would have been possible.’
‘I hope to bring my passion and love for the game into the coaching arena 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.