NC State QB Grayson McCall retires from football after suffering concussion earlier in the season

The Coastal Carolina transfer plans to transition into coaching

NC State quarterback Grayson McCall is retiring from football, he announced Wednesday. The Wolfpack signal caller cited a concussion he suffered earlier this year as the reason for his retirement. McCall was carted from the field in the first quarter of a game against Wake Forest earlier this month after taking a huge hit while scrambling on a third-down play. 

"Unfortunately, my dream has been cut just short," McCall wrote in a social media post. "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. ... 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's 2023 season at Coastal Carolina also ended prematurely due to a concussion he suffered when Arkansas State defensive back Trevian Thomas launched into McCall as he slid, bouncing his head off the turf. McCall was motionless on the field for several minutes before he was carted off the field, eventually leaving the stadium in an ambulance.

The graduate senior's career ends with 10,523 yards through the air and 91 touchdowns to just 22 interceptions. He added 1,166 yards and 18 more scores on the ground. McCall is the only person in the history of the Sun Belt Conference to win the league's player of the year award in three consecutive seasons. 

McCall wrote on social media that he plans to transition into coaching.

"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 wrote.

NC State freshman CJ Bailey has been starting in place of McCall. Bailey has completed 67.1% of his attempts for 1,376 yards and eight touchdowns. NC State has a bye week before hosting Stanford on Nov. 2.