North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall has hung up his pads and helmet for good.
McCall announced his retirement in an Instagram post Wednesday night.
McCall, 23, said in a lengthy statement that his decision to end his career as a football player stemmed from an injury he “couldn't come back from” and that he would continue to keep football as a part of his life by pursuing a coaching job. He added that he would continue to do so.
“Unfortunately, my dream came to an end. As you all know, I have battled injuries throughout my career, and this is one of no return,” McCall wrote. “I have done everything I can to continue, but this is where the good Lord has called me to serve elsewhere. Brain experts, my family, and I , I came to the conclusion that it was in my best interest to hang up my cleats.”
McCall suffered two concussions this season at North Carolina State, the first occurring on Sept. 14 against Louisiana Tech and forcing him to miss two games.
The second time occurred on Oct. 5 against Wake Forest, his first game back from a previous concussion. According to the News & Observer.
The QB slipped while running with the ball and was hit hard enough to lose both his mouthguard and helmet.
He had to be dragged off the field.
This was the second consecutive season in which the season was interrupted due to injury as he transferred to graduate school.
In his final year at Coastal Carolina, McCall suffered a helmet-to-helmet collision against Arkansas State and was diagnosed with a concussion after being taken to a local hospital, ending his season early.
McCall was one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football during his time at Coastal Carolina, throwing for 10,005 yards and 88 touchdowns in five seasons.
He played in four games this year, catching 53 passes for 518 yards and three TDs.
“This past year, from Porter Ridge to Conway to Raleigh, has been better than any dream I could have ever dreamed,” McCall wrote. “This game has taken me to places I never thought I would go and shaped my family and me in ways I never imagined. It has created so many memories that will last forever. , I really appreciate it.”
He added: “I have no regrets throughout my career and that's something to be proud of.''
