What happens now that Texans WR John Metchie III has been diagnosed with Leukemia?
There are many moments which are bigger than sport, but it’s always a sad day when they concern health.
Though he’s likely to be very disappointed by the news that he will miss his maiden season, the most important thing now the young rookie’s health.
Texans WR John Metchie III diagnosed with Leukemia
According to recent reports, Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III has been diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia). As per medlineplus.gov’s website, “APL is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues that...leads to a shortage of normal white and red blood cells and platelets in the body.” Frequently diagnosed at the age of 40, the disease occurs in approximately 1 in every 250,000 people in the United States. The sad news, means that Metchie will likely miss the 2022 season as his attention must understandably turn to his recovery.
In a statement to the public, Metchie disclosed that his condition is actually very curable and as such he is remaining positive. “Recently, I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia), the most curable form of Leukemia,” the statement read. “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.”
The Texans have John Metchie III’s back
Speaking on the serious situation that his player faces, Texans head coach Lovie Smith disclosed that he asked Metchie to address the team before their meeting. “I normally start off the first meeting addressing our football team. This year, we let John Metchie do it,” Smith said on Friday. “There were a lot of questions on what’s going on with his health, so I let him talk to the football team and let them know what he has in store this year and how it would affect our football team,” Smith said.
Smith also went on to openly show support for Metchie, referring to the young wide out as “a family member fighting something serious.” “We’re going to be there every step of the way with him. Eventually, he will get back out there with our football team and we can’t wait for that,” the head coach added. When asked about what Metchie said to the team, Smith didn’t go into detail, but instead focused on supporting his player. “Well you could imagine. First off, he’s fighting something serious. What can you do as a teammate? What can you do? You can show support. We’ve tried to get the message to all the players on exactly what John [Metchie] is going through, but it was good for them to hear his voice - talking about being here to support you and but I can’t be with the team right now, eventually I’ll be there. But you can imagine how it was.”
What did the Texans lose in John Metchie III
A second round pick out of Alabama in the 2022 NFL Draft back in spring, the young WR played 13 games for the Crimson Tide last year. Across those contests he had 96 receptions to the tune of 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. While it’s true that the 22-year-old was recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the 2021 SEC championship game, there were in fact high hopes for him this coming season. With that, the Texans will now have to turn to their coverage for the position. Expect to see the likes of Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Phillip Dorsett, Chris Conley, and Chris Moore.