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David Hale, ESPN Staff Writer
NC State quarterback Grayson McCall was carted off the field after taking a hit to the head following an interception in the first quarter Saturday against Wake Forest.
McCall was making his first start after missing the past two games for the Wolfpack. He has a history of concussions, including a serious head injury last season while playing at Coastal Carolina that ended his season — and nearly his career.
“I love this game so much and quite literally put my body on the line to win football games, but at the end of the day, it’s a game and there’s more to life than playing football,” McCall told ESPN of his concussion history before the season.
NC State players immediately signaled for medical personnel after McCall was hit. Trainers brought out a stretcher, cut off McCall’s jersey and fitted him with a neck brace as Wolfpack players walked off the field in tears.
After a long delay, McCall was carried off the field. He held up two fingers to the crowd, but otherwise kept his eyes covered as medical personal brought him into the tunnel.
No flags were thrown on the play.
Freshman CJ Bailey, who started each of the past two games against Clemson and Northern Illinois, came on in relief of McCall.