College football quarterback at major school abruptly retires over health concerns

North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall has shockingly retired due to the multiple concussions he suffered this year, with his latest coming this month in a game against Wake Forest.

McCall suffered a blow to the head and was stretchered off the field against the Demon Deacons on October 5. He was immediately transported to a local hospital.

He was released the same day, with the Wolfpack claiming he was “alert and in good spirits” after what would ultimately be his final gridiron game.

McCall played five seasons for Coastal Carolina before transferring to NC State for his senior year of college.

He posted a lengthy statement on social media about the decision to retire.

McCall left North Carolina State’s game against Wake Forest on Oct. 5 with a head injury

“As a young child, I never wanted to watch cartoons or do things that most other kids did. As a young child I wanted to watch football and run around with the ball in my hand. During that time I developed a deep love and passion for the game.”

“Through God’s work and some pretty good genetics, I found out that I could be better than all the other kids if I just kept working at it. As I started to develop and grow, I set this crazy dream for myself to grow up and be just like the boys I watched on TV.”

“From Porter Ridge to Conway and this past year in Raleigh, this journey has been better than any dream I could have ever imagined. This game has taken me places I never thought I would go, and shaped my family and me in ways I could never have imagined. I’ve made so many memories that will stay with me forever, and I’m so grateful for that.”

‘Unfortunately my dream has just been cut short. As you all know, I have dealt with injuries throughout my career, but this is one that I cannot come back from. I have done everything I can to keep going, but this is where the good Lord has called me to serve in another space. Brain specialists, my family and I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang up the cleats.”

‘While I feel like my whole world is being taken away from me, I feel a sense of contentment. Every time my feet touched the grass, I left every ounce of me on that field. I always played as hard and as best as I could because I never knew which game would be my last. I have no regrets about it throughout my career and I can be proud of that.’

‘I want to use this time to show my appreciation to everyone who attended. To my family, friends, teammates, fans and all the coaches who have come to me over the years, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without all of you, none of this would have been possible.”

“I look forward to bringing my passion and love for the game into the coaching room to serve and lead the next group of kids with a dream.” Thank you.’

McCall was a three-time Sun Belt Conference player of the year while playing for the Chanticleers.