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Former Tennessee WR Bru McCoy announces medical retirement from football

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Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Former Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy is retiring from football, he announced via social media. He said it was a medical decision.

McCoy suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2023 and announced his return to the Vols for one more season in 2024. He started 12 games, totaling 472 yards and two touchdowns as a fifth-year senior, and he earned an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.

McCoy began his college career at USC before arriving at Tennessee in 2022. Now, he’s calling it a career, and he released a statement explaining his decision.

“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. “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 a long-term health and well-being.

“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. I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you who has supported me throughout my journey for it means more than you could ever know.”

Bru McCoy arrived on the college football scene as a highly rated recruit out of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei, where he was teammates with future No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. He was a five-star prospect and the No. 19 overall player from the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

McCoy’s most productive season on Rocky Top was his first when he had 52 receptions for 667 yards and four touchdowns as a top target for Hendon Hooker. He set career-highs in all three categories, but the season-ending injury suffered in a 2023 contest against South Carolina changed things drastically. Ultimately, he said it’s time to walk away.

“Although this chapter of my football journey has come to an end, I believe this is just the beginning,” McCoy wrote. “I’m excited about the next steps, and I’m determined to continue pushing myself in new directions. This is not the end of my pursuit of greatness, just the beginning.”