Tennessee football wide receiver Bru McCoy is medically retiring from football.

McCoy spent three years with the Vols, but missed a good bit of the 2023 season following a gruesome leg injury.

He returned to be a starter for Tennessee in 2024, his final season of eligility.

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“TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, COACHES, TEAMMATES, AND SUPPORTERS,” McCoy wrote in his statement posted on Instagram.

“First and foremost I want to thank my family for everything they have invested in me during this journey and always standing by my side while playing the sport that God blessed me to be gifted in the past 18 years. Additionally, thank you to my coaches and teammates throughout the years for support and guiding me every step of the way.

“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. 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.

“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.

“From the first days I stepped onto the field in Pop Warner, through Mater Dei High school, and finding my home at Tennessee I am now finally turning the page to a long chapter of my life. Whether you were cheering me on from the sidelines or standing by me through adversity, I'll forever be grateful for all of you.

“Although this chapter in my football journey has come to an end, I believe this is just the beginning. 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.

“In regard to my non-profit, Huddle for Hearts, this is still a project that I am extremely passionate about and still plan to continue to do CPR and defibrillator training to underprivileged as opportunities arise.

“Thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart. I'll carry your support with me into the future and beyond.”

McCoy played his final three years at Tennessee. In his final campaign, he started in all 12 of his appearances while leading the team with 39 receptions. He racked up 472 yards with two touchdowns to round out his career.

In 2023, McCoy suffered a major setback. In the Vols' win over South Carolina, he fractured his leg which held him out for the rest of the season and the majority of the following off-season.

That year, in five starts, he recorded 17 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown.

In his first season with Tennessee in 2022, he was a part of the Vols' impressive receiving corp that featured Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman. He started in all 12 games he played in with 52 catches for 667 yards and four scores.

This featured a massive catch against Alabama to set up Chase McGrath's game-winning kick.

Prior to Tennessee, McCoy spent time with both USC and Texas. He initially signed with the Trojans out of high school before transferring to the Longhorns and spending his spring there.

He transferred back to USC in the summer where he played three years. He didn't play in a game as a true freshman, played in all six games during the Covid-shortened 2020 year and did not play in 2021.

With Tennessee, he never fell to Vols' rivals Florida or Alabama at home.

McCoy was a five-star in the 2019 class and the No. 1 athlete in the cycle. He was considered the No. 12 overall recruit, as well.

Out of Mater Dei and Santa Ana, California, he was the No. 2 player in the state.

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