Grayson McCall explains if he wants changes to college football rules after last concussion, retirement

Grayson McCall’s football career came to an end earlier than anticipated when he decided to retire following his latest concussion.

As far as if it was worth it to keep playing, he didn’t want to risk it. But the NC State QB was unsure if there should be specific rule changes in light of his latest injury.

Sometimes, football is simply the game you sign up for.

“I don’t know man,” McCall said when asked if there should be rule changes for safety. “I think, I think there needs to be, you know, kind of a more distinct targeting rule and things like that. But I mean, we signed up for this right? Every time you put the helmet on, you go out there and play, there’s the chance you can get hurt. And I think that’s what makes a sport so special. It’s a violent sport, it’s a tough sport, and if you’re not tough, you can’t play it. 

“So it all starts with the mindset. And I’ve always had that mindset, and whenever the mindset wavers, that you know, you’re scared to get hurt or you’re hesitating out there, (then) it all goes bad. So I think you know this is the game that we signed up to play, and if you’re not tough, it’s not for you.”

After a stellar career at Coastal Carolina, McCall decided to spend a grad year at NC State this season, but in just four games, he wasn’t his old self. He had just 518 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions and a 66.3% completion percentage.

But during his time at Coastal Carolina, McCall was one of the nation’s best quarterbacks, despite being limited to seven games last season. He had 10,005 yards, 88 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and 69.9% completion percentage in 42 games.

As it turns out, McCall is already getting a taste of the coaching life. NC State coach Dave Doeren and quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper have been letting him into meetings and allowing him to work with CJ Bailey. It’s a way for him to see what it’s like to be on a staff, and so far, he’s enjoying it.

“I think it’s [a rather] quick transition,” McCall said. “I’m obviously blessed to have a coach like Coach Doeren and Coach Roper and his staff here that are kind of letting me get my feet wet now. Kind of serving that role now in helping CJ and helping the other guys. Sitting through coaches meetings and things like that just to get my feet wet and see how I like it.

“I’m blessed with the opportunity to be able to do that here and kind of get things started. I’m excited to see where it goes.”