I didn’t want Grayson McCall in North Carolina State University red. He belonged at Coastal Carolina University in teal, where he became one of the nation’s most sought-after quarterbacks. He won’t be wearing either uniform now. His career is ending. His decision to step away is important for reasons beyond football.
He is illustrating a healthy form of masculinity, one that doesn’t prioritize superficial machismo. Though his wasn’t a political move, I hope the American public follows his lead.
McCall is walking away from the most popular sport in the U.S. during his prime. His chance to play in the National Football League like CCU players before him, including current Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, is gone. I suspect the Panthers would have better chances with McCall under center.
He’s choosing his health over a sport he still loves, a sport that has long loved him back. That’s after he sustained a concussion in a game a few weeks ago against Wake Forest to cap a career during which he had far too many hard hits to the head.