Former CCU, NC State quarterback Grayson McCall announces retirement
Oct 23, 2024
SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) -- Former Coastal Carolina University quarterback Grayson McCall on Wednesday announced his retirement, citing health concerns after multiple head injuries.
A three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, the 23-year-old McCall transferred to North Carolina State in December. He was carted off the field Oct. 5 after taking a hit to the head in a game against Wake Forest.
"From Porter Ridge to Conway and this past year in Raleigh, this journey has been better than any dream I could've ever envisioned," McCall said on Instagram. "This game has taken me places I never thought I would go."
McCall has a history of head injuries that he said led him to his decision. The Indian Trial, N.C. native started CCU's first seven games in 2022 before a hit to head on Oct. 21 against Arkansas State put him on the sidelines.
In 42 career games with CCU McCall completed 70% of his passes for 10,005 yards with 88 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
"As you all know I have battled injuries my whole career, but this is one that I cannot come back from," McCall said on Wednesday. "I have done everything I can to continue, but this is where the good Lord has called me to serve in a different space."
McCall said he consulted with brain specialists and his family before deciding to retire.
"As I feel like my whole world is being taken from me, I feel some sense of contentment. Every time my feet the grass, I left every single ounce of myself on that field," he said. "I always played my hardest and to the best of my ability because I never knew what play would be my last."
McCall said he plans to pursue coaching.