NC State QB Grayson McCall retires after latest concussion

North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall says it's time to "hang the cleats up."

On Wednesday, McCall announced on Instagram that he's decided to retire from football after medical professionals advised him to walk away from the sport following a concussion he suffered in NC State's Week 6 loss to Wake Forest. He said it's something he "cannot come back from" following a string of concussions.

"Unfortunately, my dream has been cut just short," McCall, 23, wrote. "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."

In the first quarter of NC State's 34-30 loss to Wake Forest on Oct. 5, McCall attempted to run for a first down and was hit by multiple Demon Deacons defenders, including one who made helmet-to-helmet contact with McCall, knocking his helmet off as he slammed to the ground. He was carted off the field on a stretcher and hospitalized.

McCall spent the first five seasons of his collegiate career at Coastal Carolina, where he completed 710 passes for 10,005 yards and 88 touchdowns in 42 games. McCall led Coastal Carolina to its first undefeated regular season in 2020 and was named the Sun Belt Player of the Year, the first of three consecutive honors from 2020-2022. But his 2023 campaign was cut short after he was hospitalized for a hit to the head.

He transferred to North Carolina State in December for his sixth season, but McCall only suited up in four games due to multiple concussions. He suffered a concussion in NC State's 30-20 win over Louisiana Tech in Week 3 on Sept. 14, forcing him to miss the next two games. McCall returned under center on Oct. 5 vs. Wake Forest before he suffered another concussion, which ultimately led to his retirement.

During his stint at NC State, McCall completed 53 passes for 518 yards and three touchdowns in four games.

"As I feel like my whole world is being taken from me, I feel some sense of contentment," McCall wrote in is retirement announcement. "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."

Although he's stepping away from the playing field, McCall said he won't be too far away from the game.

"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," he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grayson McCall injury: NC State QB announces retirement