Texans rookie WR John Metchie III announces leukemia diagnosis

Houston Texans' second-round draft pick John Metchie III announced Sunday that he's been diagnosed with a form of leukemia, likely ending his rookie season before it began.

"Recently I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia), the most curable form of leukemia," Metchie said in a statement released by the team. "I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirits and I expect to make a recovery at a later point in time. As a result of this diagnosis, I will likely not be playing football this season. My main focus will be on my health and recovery. Thank you in advance for your support and well-wishes. I cannot wait to come back stronger than ever. God bless."

Metchie, 22, starred at Alabama during his collegiate career where he tallied 2,081 receiving yards and 14 touchdown receptions. He suffered a torn ACL in the team's 2021 SEC Championship victory, but hoped to recover from the surgery in time to participate in training camp with the Texans.

A few notable NFL players have recovered from cancer in recent years to return to the field, including Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner, San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams and former Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry.

Metchie was one of four players picked in the first 50 selections by the Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft.