Texans rookie, former Alabama star John Metchie III diagnosed with leukemia

Houston Texans rookie and former Alabama football star John Metchie III has leukemia.

John Metchie III is not expected to play at all during his rookie season with the Houston Texans, as the former Alabama football star has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Houston traded up to No. 44 in a deal with the Cleveland Browns to select the former Crimson Tide wideout in the 2022 NFL Draft. Metchie was an outstanding playmaker at Alabama, but saw his college career come to an end when he tore his ACL in the SEC Championship Game victory over the Georgia Bulldogs. Alabama would lose the rematch to Georgia in the national title bout.

Metchie did say in his official statement that he remains “in good spirits” despite his diagnosis.

"“Recently I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia), the most curable form of Leukemia,” said Metchie in a statement released by the Texans. “I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirits and I expect to make a recovery at a later point in time. 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.”"

Here is the official statement from Metchie tweeted out by the Texans’ account on Sunday.

Houston Texans, former Alabama football WR John Metchie III has leukemia

While here is to a speedy recovery for Metchie in his battle with blood cancer, it is a shame his NFL career has been put on hold for the time being. Alabama has been Wide Receiver U for the better part of the last decade. Had he not torn his ACL, Metchie probably goes in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Even if he played with Jameson Williams last year, everyone knew about Metchie.

Prior to getting hurt last year, Metchie had 96 catches for 1,142 receiving yards and eight trips to pay dirt. He could do a little bit of everything in the receiving game, making him an incredibly valuable chess piece on the football field. Unfortunately, he will now have to face the toughest battle of his life, head-on. One could expect Metchie will be on the minds of all who know him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Metchie and his family on his quest to conquer leukemia.