NC State releases heartfelt tribute video after Grayson McCall retirement

NC State quarterback Grayson McCall decided to retire this week, after he suffered too many head injuries. He absorbed one of the more violent hits of the 2024 college football season in the first quarter against Wake Forest. And after giving it some thought this week, McCall decided to hang his cleats up for good.

On Thursday evening, NC State released a heartfelt tribute video on their quarterback after he made the announcement.

Thank you, 2 ❤️#1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/Vy8stAmarJ

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) October 24, 2024

The NC State quarterback announced his retirement from playing football. McCall has been dealing with a concussion and is making the decision to walk away due to his injury.

McCall, who started his career at Coastal Carolina, went down against Wake Forest Oct. 5 after taking a big hit and was carted off the field. He later headed to the hospital and was later released to spend time with his family as he began his recovery, NC State coach Dave Doeren said.

But due to his history of head injuries, McCall decided it was time to hang up his cleats. He explained his decision in a heartfelt post on Instagram Wednesday night.

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

“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 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.”

More on Grayson McCall’s career, what’s next

Grayson McCall spent five years at Coastal Carolina, where he burst onto the national scene under Jamey Chadwell. He put together an impressive three-year run from 2020-22, throwing for at least 20 touchdowns each season. His biggest campaign came in 2021 when he completed 73% of his passes for 2,873 yards and 27 tochdowns.

All told, during his time with the Chanticleers, McCall threw for 10,005 yards and 88 touchdowns. He then entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season and committed to NC State for his final year of college football, where he threw for 518 yards and two touchdowns before his injury.

But now that his playing career is over, McCall said he still plans to be around the game. He’s preparing to become a coach and pass along some of his knowledge.

“As I feel like my whole world is being taken from me, I feel some sense of contentment,” McCall said. “Every time my feet hit the grass, I left every single ounce of myself on that field. I always played my hardest and to the best of my ability because I never knew what play would be my last. I have no regrets throughout my career and that is something I can be proud of. I want to use this time to show my appreciation to everyone who has been along for the ride. To my family, friends, teammates, fans and all the coaches who have poured into me over the years, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you all, none of this would have ever been possible.

“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.”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.