Who is John Metchie III? Houston Texans WR makes his first career catch after battling Leukemia

#AmericanFootball #Cancer #HoustonTexans

John Metchie III, a Canadian receiver, set for NFL debut after leukemia battle
Metchie was born in Taiwan to a Nigerian father and Taiwanese mother
Houston Texans await Metchie's comeback as he overcomes adversity

Written By:Jenel Treza

Updated: September 17 2023 05:03:46 PM ET USA

Houston Texans’ wide receiver John Metchie III, overcoming leukemia, gears up for his NFL debut against the Colts. He made his first career catch after battling Leukemia as a rookie and missing the entire 2022 season.

It came at the very end, but #Texans WR John Metchie finally made his first career catch after battling Leukemia as a rookie and missing the entire 2022 season.pic.twitter.com/bSpMiMtwlW https://t.co/cPdbyh8Jk6
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 17, 2023

Who is John Metchie?

John Metchie III, born on July 18, 2000, in Taiwan to a Nigerian father and Taiwanese mother, embarked on an extraordinary path to the NFL. His family’s journey took them from Taiwan to Ghana before settling in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, where he grew up alongside four brothers. He later moved to the United States to attend St. James School in Hagerstown, Maryland, followed by a post-graduate year at the Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey.

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John Metchie III is active and will play in his first career NFL game.

What an incredible comeback for a kid who’s been through so much! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/N69DABLamO
— Patrick Storm (@PatrickStormHTX) September 17, 2023

Metchie’s collegiate football career at the University of Alabama catapulted him into the national spotlight. He made an impact as a freshman in 2019, contributing to the team’s success. His sophomore year in 2020 saw him become one of Alabama’s top three receivers, earning him the Jon Cornish Trophy as the top Canadian in NCAA football.

His junior year in 2021 was particularly impressive, with Metchie recording 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns before an unfortunate ACL injury in the 2021 SEC Championship Game. Remarkably, he secured the Jon Cornish Trophy for the second time, a rare feat.

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The NFL Combine showcased Metchie’s talent and athleticism, leading to his selection by the Houston Texans in the second round (44th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, leading him to sit out his rookie season.

Having received the all-clear after leukemia treatment, he was sidelined for the season opener due to a hamstring injury. His older brother, Royce Metchie, also excels in football as a defensive back for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

Despite the challenges he has faced, John Metchie III’s resilience and determination have brought him to the cusp of his NFL debut. Texans fans and football enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate witnessing his comeback on the field.