Former University of Southern California and University of Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy is medically retiring from football, he announced Tuesday on social media.
“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 in a 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.”
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McCoy initially committed to USC as a five-star recruit in the class of 2019. He graduated early from Mater Dei High School, where he was teammates with quarterback Bryce Young, also a USC commit who decommitted and flipped to the University of Alabama.
After Kliff Kingsbury shockingly spurned USC to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, McCoy transferred to the University of Texas. He then left Texas and returned to USC.
McCoy’s injury issues began in 2019, when he took a redshirt season due to symptoms that were never diagnosed. In 2022, after transferring to Tennessee, McCoy played his first full season, appearing in 12 games and catching 52 passes for 667 yards and four touchdowns.
However, in 2023, he played in just five games, suffering a season-ending displaced fracture of his right ankle.
“As many of you know I came back and played last year after what could’ve been a career ending injury,” McCoy continued in his statement. “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.”
In 2024, McCoy was back for a full season, playing 12 games and reeling in 39 receptions for 472 yards and two touchdowns. He was a captain for five games, and even attended the 2025 Senior Bowl.
McCoy, now 24 years old, was among the top undrafted free agents, but Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz said his not being drafted was by design.
“My understanding is it was made known during the draft not to select him,” Schultz wrote, “and now we know the reason why.”
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – APRIL 24: Fans gather at the NFL Draft stage during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
As for McCoy, he’s looking forward to what’s next in his life after football.
“Although this chapter in 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 a new beginning.”
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