NC State QB retiring from football at 23 due to head injuries

A 23-year-old, three-time conference player of the year is stepping away from football.

N.C. State Quarterback Grayson McCall announced this week that he’s handing up the cleats after suffering concussions against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 14 and Wake Forest on Oct. 5.

McCall, a sixth-year senior, spent his first five seasons playing for Coastal Carolina where he was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

“Unfortunately, my dream has been cut just short,” he wrote on Instagram. “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.

“As I feel like my whole world is being taken from me, I feel some sense of contentment. Every time my feet hit the grass, I left every single ounce of myself on that field. I always played my hardest and to the best of my ability because I never knew what play would be my last. I have no regrets throughout my career and that is something I can be proud of. I want to use this time to show my appreciation to everyone who has been along for the ride. 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. Without you all, none of this would have ever been possible.”

McCall threw for 10,005 yards and 88 touchdowns over 42 games for Coastal Carolina between 2019 and 2023. Both are program records.

He transferred to NC State during the offseason. Over four games for the Wolfpack, he passed for 518 yards and threw three touchdowns with two interceptions.

McCall wrote that he is hoping to get into coaching now that his playing days are over.

“I look forward to taking my passion and love for the game into the coaching space to serve and lead the next group of kids with a dream,” he said in his post.

True freshman CJ Bailey figures to take over under center for the Wolfpack. NC State (4-4) has a bye this weekend.