Former Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy medically retires from football

Bru McCoy is one of the greatest transfer portal success stories Tennessee football has seen during the Josh Heupel era on Rocky Top. The wideout played three seasons for the Big Orange and has now made the decision to forgo any professional opportunities that may come his way and medically retire from the sport of football.     

He announced his intentions Tuesday night on his social media accounts.

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— Bru McCoy (@BruMcCoy15) May 7, 2025

“First and foremost, I want to thank my family for everything they have invested in me during this journey and always standing by my side while playing the sport that God blessed me to be gifted in the past 18 years,” McCoy wrote. “Additionally, thank you to my coaches and teammates throughout the years for support and guiding me every step of the way.

“It’s with a heavy heart but a feeling of gratitude that I share with you guys that I made the difficult decision to medically retire from football,” the wideout said. “This has been one of the toughest decisions of my life, but after careful consideration with my doctors, family, and people closest to me, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s the right path for my long-term health and well-being.”

The wideout played in 29 games during his Tennessee career that spanned three seasons, compiling 1,356 receiving yards on 108 catches with seven touchdowns. He averaged 12.6 yards per catch and 46.8 yards per game throughout his Tennessee career, maxing out with a career-high 52 catches for 667 yards and four touchdowns during his first season on Rocky Top in 2022.  

“As many of you know, I came back and played last year after what could’ve been a career ending injury. I felt it was my responsibility to myself, coaches, family, and most importantly the community I have here in Knoxville to give back for all of the love that has been shown to me” McCoy said. “I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you who has supported me throughout my journey for it means more than you could ever know.”

McCoy’s 2023 season was cut short in the fifth game of the season when he suffered a fracture-dislocation of his right ankle. Prior to the season-ending injury, the California native hauled in 17 receptions for 217 yards and a touchdown in the five contests.

“From the first days I stepped onto the field in Pop Warner, through Mater Dei High school, and finding my home at Tennessee, I am now finally turning the page to a long chapter of my life,” the former Vol reflected. “Whether you were cheering me on from the sidelines or standing by me through adversity, I’ll forever be grateful for all of you.”

McCoy finished his Tennessee career coming back for a sixth season in 2024. He made good of the decision with 39 receptions in 12 games for 472 yards and two scores.

“Although this chapter in my football journey has come to an end, I believe this is just the beginning. I’m excited about the next steps, and I’m determined to continue pushing myself in new directions,” McCoy posted. “This is not the end of my pursuit of greatness, just a new beginning.”

McCoy was a member of the team’s leadership council, a team captain and a leader in the community throughout his time in Knoxville. He originally began his collegiate career at Southern Cal before spending the spring of 2018 at Texas. He returned to USC for three seasons and then transferred to Tennessee ahead of the 2022 campaign. He was a five-star recruit and boasted an All-American career at powerhouse Mater Dei in Rolling Hills Estates, Calif.  

During his Tennessee career, McCoy logged three 100-yard games and was invited to both the NFL Scouting Combine this past winter and the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

“In regard to my non-profit, Huddle for Hearts, this is still a project that I am extremely passionate about and still plan to continue to do CPR and defibrillator training to underprivileged as opportunities arise,” McCoy concluded. “Thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart. I’ll carry your support with me into the future and beyond.”