NC State fans are concerned following Grayson McCall’s recent decision to retire after suffering another injury in the 2024 season. As a key player, his absence leaves a significant void in the team. With his retirement announcement, many are asking what happened to Grayson McCall and what led to his decision.
Here’s what we know about Grayson McCall’s injury and the reasons behind his retirement.
How did Grayson McCall get injured?
Grayson McCall sustained a serious concussion on October 5, 2024, during a game against Wake Forest.
This was his second concussion of the season. The first one happened in a game against Louisiana Tech on September 14, 2024. During the October 5 game, a hard hit knocked McCall’s helmet off while he was running with the ball. Medical staff carted him off the field and took him to a hospital for evaluation.
McCall’s previous concussions impacted his career at both Coastal Carolina and NC State. In 2023, he missed games due to a helmet-to-helmet collision while playing for Coastal Carolina, highlighting the recurring nature of his injuries.
Why is Grayson McCall retiring?
Grayson McCall announced his retirement from football on October 23, 2024, after consulting with brain specialists and his family.
He explained that his latest concussion is one he cannot recover from, forcing him to step away from the game he loves. McCall expressed that while he has fought through injuries throughout his career, he has reached a point where continuing to play would be detrimental to his long-term health.
In his retirement post, McCall reflected on the highs and lows of his football journey, which spanned over six years. Despite his injuries, McCall remains grateful for the experiences he gained and the memories he made, and he plans to stay connected to the game by transitioning into a coaching role.
Grayson McCall’s decision to retire ends a record-breaking career where he threw for over 10,000 yards at Coastal Carolina. His career was cut short by injuries, but McCall leaves the sport with no regrets. He feels proud of his achievements and the lessons football taught him.