"This is one that I cannot come back from": NC State QB Grayson McCall announces retirement from football after scary injury

Grayson McCall announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from football after suffering a brain injury earlier this month. In an Instagram post, the NC State quarterback cited health concerns as the primary reason for his decision to step away from the game.

McCall was carted off the field after suffering a head injury during NC State's home loss to Wake Forest on Oct. 5. With his history of concussions, the new injury ultimately led to his decision to finally retire from football.

“I have battled injuries my whole career, but this is one that I cannot come back from,” McCall posted to Instagram. “Brain specialists, my family, and I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang the cleats up.”

Grayson McCall expresses contentment with his career

While Grayson McCall won’t get the chance to show his talent on the gridiron at any level anymore, the quarterback expresses contentment with his playing career so far.

He started his college football journey at Coastal Carolina before transferring to NC State in 2024.

“As I feel like my whole world is being taken from me, I feel some sense of contentment,” McCall said in his post. "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,” he added.

McCall had an impressive career at Coastal Carolina, amassing 10,005 passing yards and 88 touchdowns over 42 games, winning Sun Belt Player of the Year three times.

In his brief stint at NC State, McCall appeared in four games, throwing for 518 yards and three touchdowns.

Grayson McCall’s plan for the future

Following the end of his playing career, Grayson McCall wants to remain connected to the sport. He disclosed his next line of action on Instagram.

"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 said as he rounded up his post.

McCall is expected to enter into coaching a graduate assistant, most likely in the upcoming season. It remains unknown where he will choose to start his next career endeavor but a stay at NC State or a return to Coastal Carolina happens to be a viable option.