After sustaining a career-threatening knee injury as a freshman in 1958 (torn medial collateral ligament), he recovered to become a two-way offensive and defensive tackle.
[3] He began the season on the taxi squad, before being promoted to the active roster on October 20.
In 2008, he received the Gene Hooks Achievement Award from the Wake Forest Varsity Club.
In 2014, McCreary committed $7.5 million to Wake Forest University football's indoor practice facility project.
[8] The plaza outside gate 1 at Truist Field and video board inside the stadium are also named for McCreary, as is the strength and conditioning center.