NC State quarterback Grayson McCall suffered a severe head injury during the first quarter of Saturday’s game against Wake Forest, leading to a deeply emotional moment as he was carted off the field. The incident occurred after McCall threw an interception and took a hard hit to the head, sending immediate shockwaves through the Wolfpack team.
Making his first start since missing the past two games, McCall’s history of concussions had already been a major concern. The former Coastal Carolina star endured a serious head injury last season, which not only ended his campaign but nearly ended his football career altogether.
“I love this game so much and quite literally put my body on the line to win football games,” McCall told ESPN earlier in the season, reflecting on the risks of playing with his concussion history. “But at the end of the day, it’s a game and there’s more to life than playing football.”
McCall’s teammates were visibly shaken by the injury. NC State players immediately signaled for medical staff, and after a long delay, trainers arrived to cut off McCall’s jersey and fit him with a neck brace. The emotional scene saw Wolfpack players leaving the field in tears, while McCall, despite being stretchered off, raised two fingers to the crowd in a show of resilience.
No flags were thrown on the play.
Freshman CJ Bailey, who started the last two games in McCall’s absence, stepped in to replace him as the Wolfpack looked to regroup from the traumatic moment.
McCall’s injury is a harsh reminder of the risks involved in football, especially for a player with his history. His condition will be closely monitored as fans, teammates, and the broader football community await further updates on his health.
