NC State quarterback Grayson McCall retires from football after suffering pain he 'can't come back from' | CNN

North Carolina State University quarterback Grayson McCall has retired from football after suffering a concussion, with the 23-year-old announcing Wednesday that he “can't come back.”

The senior was carried off the field on a stretcher after suffering a head injury during the Wolfpack's Oct. 5 game against Wake Forest. He did not play after the injury.

“You all know I've struggled with injuries my entire career, but this is one I can't come back from,” McCall said in an Instagram post. “I did everything I could to continue, but this is where the good Lord called me to serve in a different place. Neurologists, my family and I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang up the cleats.”

McCall has a history of concussions. He suffered a concussion last season while at Coastal Carolina that ended his year.

The three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year transferred from Coastal Carolina to NC State before the season and threw for 518 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions for the Wolfpack.

“As I feel like my whole world is being taken away from me, I feel a little sense of satisfaction,” McCall continued Wednesday. “Every time my feet hit the grass, I left every ounce of myself on that field. I always played my hardest and to the best of my ability because I never knew which game 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 express my gratitude to everyone who has been along for the ride.

“To my family, friends, teammates, fans, and all the coaches who have pushed me over the years, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. None of this would have been possible without all of you.”

True freshman quarterback CJ Bailey takes over for McCall as the starter and the Wolfpack is 4-4 on the season.

NC State is next scheduled to play against Stanford on Nov. 2.

McCall said he wants to go into coaching, saying he's looking forward to “taking my passion and love for the game into the coaching space and leading the next group of kids with a dream.”