In just his second year out of Alabama, John Metchie III has already proven to be a fan favorite of the Houston Texans. He’s done that without actually playing in a game as a rookie.
Veteran wide receiver Robert Woods came to Houston ahead of the 2023 and he already sees why people like Metchie, calling him a role model and a good teammate.
“I would say he’s a good teammate to have,” Woods said. “I know he’s younger, but he’s also a role model to me, somebody who pushes through and doesn’t let outside factors, outside struggles ever get him down. He’s a very positive person.”
Metchie had to step away to battle Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia last season. Over the summer, he was cleared to return to practice after that battle with cancer. However, he has also recently been hampered by a hamstring injury.
“Seeing him battle cancer and his treatment and being able to bounce back from an early hamstring injury and getting back to make plays, he’s very inspiring to us and hopefully all of Houston as well.”
Metchie was also praised by Houston GM Nick Caserio, who noted his work ethic while also warning that it’s going to take time for him to get back to where he needs to be.
“He’s worked really hard,” Caserio said. “He also looks like a football player that hasn’t played in 18 months. Attitude has been good. He’s made some plays. What he’s gone through, he’s a great story. Chance he’s a little bit better six, eight weeks down the road than now.”
John Metchie describes his return to football after leukemia diagnosis
Beating leukemia was a big enough challenge. However, beating it and returning to play in the NFL was an entirely unique battle.
“This entire year has been eventful for sure, it’s had its ups and downs. But being back on the field feels great. It’s been a long way coming. Definitely feels like a blessing … something I’m grateful for every day,” Metchie said.
“I feel like at the beginning stages, of course, you don’t know what’s going to happen. You don’t know what the future has in store for you. You of course hope that you can, that you can overcome it play football. I would probably say probably the beginning stages, there might have been some doubt. But I had a strong faith … and I have strong faith. I think there are a lot of things challenging me spiritually, mentally, physically. Of course, I think the most challenging part was kind of just dealing with it with my family, [them] being in a different country for the most part. They would come down, but most of them were in a different country.”
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