The nation watched as trainers performed what appeared to be life-saving measures on the field at Carter-Finley Stadium. NC State QB Grayson McCall took a violent hit and lay motionless on the ground as football became the least of everyone’s concerns.
Initial reports, however, are relatively promising, given the nature of the injury and the somber tone that took over the stadium.
What Happened to Grayson McCall?
McCall, who was re-inserted into the starting lineup in Week 6 for NC State, was returning from an injury that kept him out of action since Week 3. On a 3rd & 11 play from the Wake Forest 19-yard line, McCall dropped back to pass, saw no one open, and decided to scramble to make something happen in the red zone.
At the 11-yard line, McCall was contacted with a direct hit to the chest by Wake Forest linebacker Quincy Bryant, careening into defenders Nick Anderson and Dylan Hazen. McCall’s helmet popped off, and he immediately lost control of the ball and appeared to be knocked unconscious.
The video is below, for information purposes, as it appears McCall’s helmet may have been moving even before taking the hit.
Very scary hit on Grayson McCall here. Hoping for good news 🙏🏻
— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) October 5, 2024
As he laid motionless on the ground, his own teammates forwent attempting to run down the Wake Forest defenders who picked up the loose ball and returned to the NC State 1-yard line, calling for help from the sidelines immediately instead.
McCall was still motionless and even clutching his arm in what has been called the fencing response following an apparent concussion. With no speculation on the matter, the football world has become all too accustomed to this response on the field following hits such as these, leading to what has been assumed to be a concussion sustained by McCall.
The trainers were then shown cutting his jersey off almost immediately after arriving on the field while the backboard was placed on the ground next to him and the cart was immediately called for.
Eventually, his parents were even seen on the field next to him as the trainers worked to stabilize McCall.
After a lengthy break and multiple TV timeouts, McCall was shown loaded onto the cart and being taken off the field. It should be noted, however, that positive signs did occur when McCall motioned a ‘peace sign’ to the crowd and then even shielded his own eyes from the sun that was cascading over the stadium grounds.
McCall’s Injury History Comes Into Light
As bad as a one-time injury is, for someone like McCall, this latest injury will put his future into doubt as this is not the first head injury he’s sustained during his playing career.
Famously, McCall took a hit against Arkansas State in 2023 that knocked him from the game and had to be removed via an ambulance. He missed the completion of his 2022 campaign following a head injury as well.
The broadcast during Week 6’s NC State vs. Wake Forest contest even included the fact that he had sustained a brain bleed following one of his previous concussions.
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McCall exited the contest against Wake Forest having thrown for 42 yards on five attempts, being replaced by CJ Bailey, who had started in his place the two weeks prior.
As this is a developing story, College Football Network will maintain vision and continue to monitor for any updates regarding McCall’s health and status as information is made available.
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