Grayson McCall, who entered the 2024 college football season as the starting quarterback for the NC State Wolfpack, announced his retirement through an Instagram post on Wednesday.
“I have battled injuries my whole career, but this is one that I cannot come back from,” McCall wrote. “Brain specialists, my family, and I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang the cleats up.”
McCall had not played since an October 5 game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons when he took a scary hit to the head. A trio of defenders closed on him at the same time, knocking off his helmet during the tackle. He was carted off the field and taken to a hospital, but he was released later that same day.
It was the second time McCall left a game and went to a hospital with a head injury over the past two seasons. As the quarterback for Coastal Carolina in 2023, he spent a night in a hospital after a hit against Arkansas State last October.
“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,” McCall wrote on Wednesday.
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The Blue Devils are scheduled to play NC State in Raleigh on November 9.