This season may be the last for Houston Texans rookie wide receiver John Metchie III after he was diagnosed with a form of leukemia.
A statement made by the Texans stated that Metchie had recently been diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia), which is the most treatable form of leukemia.
“Medical care is going well, and I’m optimistic that I’ll recover at some point in the future. My participation in football this season may be in jeopardy because of this diagnosis. My primary concern will be regaining my physical and mental wellness. Please accept my sincere gratitude for your kind words and well wishes. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to my return. God’s blessings to you all.”
There is currently an active/non-football illness status for Metchie on the Texans roster.
A trade with the Cleveland Browns pushed the Texans into the 44th spot in the 2022 draft, where they selected Metchie.
Metchie had 96 catches for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns last season at Alabama before tearing his ACL in the SEC championship game in December. He had previously stated that he expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp.
“It’s a blessing that he’s in a city known for exceptional medical care and with an organization, in the Houston Texans, who will be with him throughout this trip,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement on Sunday. “The Crimson Tide football program will be behind Metchie “every step of the way.”