Texans Rookie John Metchie III Diagnosed With Leukemia

HOUSTON, TX — Houston Texans rookie receiver John Metchie III has been diagnosed with leukemia and likely will miss the 2022 NFL season, he announced in a statement through the team Sunday.

Metchie said he expects to "make a recovery at a later point in time" and is in "good spirits." He described his diagnosis, acute promyelocytic leukemia, as "the most curable form of leukemia."

"I cannot wait to come back stronger than ever. God Bless," Metchie said.

The Texans traded a third-round pick and two-fourth round picks to the Cleveland Browns to move up in the 2022 NFL Draft to select Metchie in the second round with the 44th overall pick out of Alabama.

Metchie helped the Crimson Tide win the College Football Playoff National Championship and caught 55 passes for 916 yards and six touchdowns during a shortened 2020 season. The following year, he caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns and was named to the All-SEC second team. Metchie's season ended when he tore his ACL in the 2021 SEC Championship Game.