It is a miracle just for him to play again, but for him to be dominating in training camp is special.
John Metchie III, a former Alabama football wide receiver, is focused on just football for the first time in three years.
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He was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but Metchie missed his rookie season because he was diagnosed with leukemia. He worked tirelessly to get healthy and last season, Metchie returned to the field to play 16 games — totaling 16 catches for 158 yards. He won the George Halas Award from the Pro Football Writers Association for overcoming adversity. Metchie, a native Canadian, is not only cancer free, but he is also now in the best football shape.
He has been impressive catching touchdowns at Texans’ training camp. According to Cole Thompson and Aaron Wilson, both cover the Texans, the team has been impressed with Metchie’s attention to detail and his performances in camp so far.
#Texans John Metchie III continues to have a good camp. Vertical pass from Davis Mills dropped in and made it look easy.
Everyone has praised Metchie this offseason for his attention to detail and it’s showing up consistently.
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) July 20, 2024
#Texans wide receiver John Metchie III @IiiMetchie long touchdown reception, celebrates with C.J. Stroud on third day of camp @KPRC2 @AlabamaFTBL @WME_Sports
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 20, 2024
Metchiiiiiiiieeeeeeee 🥋🔥 pic.twitter.com/HfqPx02VrZ
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 20, 2024
He played on Alabama’s 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship team and was a 1,000-plus yard receiver in 2021 for the Crimson Tide’s Southeastern Conference title team. Metchie is finally in a position to contribute for the Texans.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
