24-year-old Bru McCoy is hanging up his cleats. The last time he graced the gridiron was with the Tennessee Volunteers. McCoy is retiring as a college football player, letting go of the dream of becoming an NFL wideout. This is heartbreaking news for the Tennessee Vols, who were hoping to see the wideout make his big debut on the big stage. After going undrafted through all three days of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, McCoy’s decision comes nearly two weeks later.

McCoy’s decision comes after much thought, as the WR penned down an emotional note. He was projected to be a mid-rounder in this year’s draft. Bleacher Report’s scouting department had ranked Bru as the 23rd best WR in this year’s prospects.  Sadly, just weeks after the draft, his football journey has come to an unexpected and heartbreaking end.

Why Did Bru McCoy Retire at 24?

Nicknamed “Bruiser,” Bru McCoy began his collegiate football journey at USC. He entered the scene as the ninth-best recruit in the class of 2019, according to 247Sports.com. But before he could take the field as a Trojan, McCoy transferred to the Texas Longhorns. He decided, following Kliff Kingsbury’s departure from USC to become the HC of the Arizona Cardinals. After a brief stint practicing with the Longhorns, Bru made his way back to USC, where he had to redshirt his freshman year due to illness.

On Tuesday, the 24-year-old wideout officially announced his medical retirement from football. Bru shared a heartfelt message across his X  account and his IG. “It’s with a heavy heart but a feeling of gratitude that I share with you guys that I made the difficult decision to medically retire from football,” McCoy wrote, closing his football chapter.

McCoy suffered a season-ending injury in 2023, a displaced fracture of his right ankle, which now appears to be the key reason behind his early retirement. Reflecting on the difficult choice, the wideout shared in his statement, “This has been one of the toughest decisions of my life, but after careful consideration with my doctors, family, and people closest to me, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s the right path for my long-term health and well-being.“

More on McCoy’s injury and short-lived career

Bru McCoy’s collegiate career officially began in 2020 with the USC Trojans after he redshirted his first year. That season, the wideout caught 21 passes for 236 yards and two TDs. But in 2021, his journey with the Trojans took an unexpected turn when McCoy was allegedly accused of domestic violence. Following the accusation, USC suspended him from the team. The following year, McCoy transferred to Tennessee, where he got a fresh start with the Volunteers. But in 2023, during a game against South Carolina, McCoy suffered a gruesome ankle injury that would ultimately cut his football career short.

Reflecting on his injury in his emotional retirement note, McCoy wrote, “As many of you know, I came back and played last year after what could’ve been a career-ending injury. I felt it was my responsibility to myself, coaches, family, and most importantly, the community I have here in Knoxville to give back for all of the love that has been shown to me.”

Despite the injury, the 24-year-old turned up in the 2024 season and also participated in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. McCoy helped his college team reach the College Football Playoff with 39 catches for 472 yards and two TDs. The WR’s performance last season had his draft stock rise to 92nd overall. But sadly, that was not the case. Fox Sports reporter Jordan Schultz reports, “My understanding is it was made known during the draft not to select him.”

Sadly, Bru McCoy’s retirement marks the end of a promising career cut short by injury, leaving fans wondering what could’ve been.