NC State QB Grayson McCall, 23, Retiring from Football After Head Injury: ‘Feel Like My Whole World Is Being Taken’

"As you all know I have battled injuries my whole career, but this is one that I cannot come back from," McCall wrote in a post on Instagram

North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall is retiring from football at 23-years-old to prioritize his health after a series of head injuries on the field.

In a lengthy post on Instagram on Wednesday, Oct. 23, McCall expressed his lifelong love for the game and realizing his childhood dreams of playing, before announcing that his time as a football player has come to an end earlier than he had hoped.

“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," he explained. "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."

McCall was carted off the field after a scary hit during a game against Wake Forest on Oct. 5. A year earlier, when he was playing for Coastal Carolina, he had to stay overnight at a hospital following another hard hit.

Related: Penn State Football Player Journey Brown, 21, Forced to Retire Due to Newly Diagnosed Heart Condition

McCall said that despite multiple head injuries throughout his career, he doesn’t have any regrets.

“As I feel like my whole world is being taken from me, I feel some sense of contentment," he continued. "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."

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Related: UCLA Football Player Thomas Cole Announces Retirement After Suicide Attempt: 'It Is Ok to Ask for Help'

As for what McCall has planned for his future off the field, he gave fans an update in the post that he’s looking ahead to a future in coaching. “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,” McCall ended the post.

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