NC State quarterback Grayson McCall has been battling injuries throughout his whole collegiate career. He began his journey out of high school with Coastal Carolina in 2019. After five seasons, McCall decided to join the Wolfpack this offseason.
During NC State's loss to Wake Forest, Grayson McCall took a big hit to the head during a running play for the Wolfpack. This was the second concussion he suffered this season.
Due to his history of head injuries, the quarterback decided to hang up his cleats at the age of 23 in order to avoid any potential long-term damage.
Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on McCall's retirement from football. One fan suggested that Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa, who also has a history of concussions, should learn from McCall.
"Someone tell Tua to take notes."
Another fan also urged Tua Tagovailoa to wear proper protective gear to avoid long-term damage after McCall's retirement.
"Prayers Tua put on that guardian cap or your next."
This fan wished the NC State QB the best wishes for his future and supported his decision to take care of his own health.
"Prayers up. Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Can's fault him for putting his health first."
Another fan pointed out that it must have been hard for McCall to retire at the age of 23.
"Sure Grayson McCall didn't want his football playing days to end like this. Must have been a hard decision. Best of luck to him for the next stage in his life."
One fan appreciated the decision Grayson McCall made after analyzing all the different factors.
"Good on him. Weigh the risk/reward. If you have a second option you take it. Hope you do well for yourself in the future."
Another fan believed that the NC State QB would flourish as a football coach.
"Sad to hear this cause he was very talented. Hopefully, he'll make a good coach."
This season, McCall played in four games for the NC State Wolfpack. He tallied a total of 518 passing yards, three TD passes and two interceptions. Throughout his entire collegiate career, the QB recorded a total of 10,005 passing yards and 88 TD passes in 42 games.
Grayson McCall looking forward to being a football coach
In the Instagram post that he shared about his retirement, the NC State quarterback showed his appreciation for the game of football and his journey. He also pointed out his injury battles and how it affected his mentality to carry on.
"This game has taken me places I never thought I would go, and has shaped my family and I in ways I never imagined," McCall wrote. "Unfortunately, my dream has been cut just short. As you all know I have battled injuries my whole career, but this is one that I cannot come back from..... I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang the cleats up."
Grayson McCall also hinted at the next step of his journey. He said he is looking to be impactful as a football coach and share his knowledge and experience with future stars.
"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."
True freshman CJ Bailey, who took over during Grayson McCall's absence, will potentially be the starting quarterback of NC State for the rest of the season.
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