Nick Saban releases heartfelt statement on John Metchie after leukemia diagnosis
Alabama football head coach released a statement supporting former Crimson Tide wide receiver Joh Metchie III, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
The Houston Texans and Alabama football communities were rocked by sad news from wide receiver John Metchie III on Sunday when he revealed a cancer diagnosis.
Metchie, who won a national championship with the Crimson Tide and was recently drafted by the Texans in the second round, was diagnosed with leukemia. He is expected to miss the 2022 NFL season.
Nick Saban coached Metchie for his three years at Alabama and backed the receiver to make it through this unfortunate development.
Nick Saban releases statement on John Metchie after leukemia diagnosis
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) July 24, 2022
“John has overcome every challenge placed in front of him in his life with toughness and determination, and we are behind him every step of the way in his fight against Leukemia,” Saban said in a statement released on Twitter. “It’s a blessing that he is in a city known for great medical care and with an organization, in the Houston Texans, who will be with him throughout this journey. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with him throughout this battle.”
News of Metchie’s diagnosis came earlier on Sunday with a tweet from the Texans.
An update from John Metchie lll pic.twitter.com/EH6OupXK42
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 24, 2022
“Recently I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia), the most curable form of Leukemia. I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirits and I expect to make a recovery at a later point in time,” Metchie said in a statement. “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 was Alabama’s second-leading receiver in each of the last two seasons. In 2020 he had 55 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns. As a junior in 2021, he caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. He tore his ACL in the SEC Championship Game and was unable to compete in the College Football Playoff.
Recovering from that knee injury was supposed to be his biggest challenge of 2022. Now it’ll be working with the fine medical professionals in Houston to successfully fight off leukemia.
Next. Best college football wide receivers of the 21st century. dark
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.