DeMeco Ryans ‘not surprised’ by John Metchie’s play in Texans camp

John Metchie has been through a lot to get to this point. After missing the entire 2022 NFL season, the former Alabama standout finally received clearance to join the Houston Texans for training camp this year.

The wide receiver is already making some big plays in camp, too. But it comes as no shock to head coach DeMeco Ryans. He was asked about Metchie’s early contributions during practice.

“Not surprised by what John Metchie is doing at all,” Ryans said. “I’ve seen Metchie play a lot of football at Alabama, seen him make a lot of plays — that’s who he is. So, he’s not surprising me. I’m just fired up that he’s back out here. He’s an inspiration to me, to see John Metchie and what he’s been through, and to see his attitude each and every day. I mean, he’s uplifting everyone’s spirit around here and I just love what he’s doing for us.”

Metchie suffered an ACL injury in Alabama’s 2021 SEC Championship Game appearance against Georgia. But that wasn’t what prevented him from seeing the field for the Texans in 2022.

Metchie received an APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia) diagnosis, preventing him from suiting up for Houston as a rookie. After being cleared to return to practice earlier this offseason for OTAs, the receiver suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him.

“John’s ready to go,” said Texans GM Nick Caserio said. “He had a little bit of set back there in the spring but he’s clear, he’s ready to practice.”

So, getting back on the field has to feel good for Metchie. And he’s not only making plays, he’s been an inspiration to his teammates and coaches.

DeMeco Ryans raves about John Metchie’s attitude

After battling so many setbacks the past two years, it could be easy for it to affect Metchie’s attitude. But Ryans said the wide receiver remains positive every day.

“When you talk about a guy like John Metchie, just hearing his story and meeting him in person, it marries up,” Ryans said last month. “Outstanding young man off the field. Great energy. Always around. Every time I seen him in the building, huge smile on his face.

“No matter what adversity he’s faced, he’s attacking it with a smile, with the right attitude. It just solidifies the type of person that he is and the type of people and the type of players that we want to add to our team, it’s guys with that type of attitude.”

The Texans selected Metchie in the 2022 NFL Draft after an impressive final season at Alabama. In 2021, he hauled in 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns.