HOUSTON – John Metchie III had a definite spring in his step, and a smile on his face as he bounded through drills. It wasn’t long before the Texans’ wide receiver caught his first pass Wednesday morning.
Metchie was fully cleared for training camp and practiced with his teammates as he continues his inspirational comeback one year after being diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia.
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For the former Alabama standout who missed his entire rookie season on the non-football illness list with acute promyelocytic leukemia, it was a significant milestone.
“It just speaks to John’s I’d say mental and physical toughness, the way he’s wired,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “I’d say he’s a pretty unique person. There are not many people like John Metchie in this world, athletes that have had to endure some of the things he’s had to go through. But it speaks to his perseverance, stick-to-it-tiveness, what he is made of, the people around him.
“I would say our medical staff has invested a lot of time and energy. Think he’s appreciative of that. That relationship is reciprocal, been beneficial to both parties. Excited about John.”
Although Caserio was noncommittal on whether Metchie will play in the season opener Sept. 10 at the Baltimore Ravens, Metchie has already beaten long odds to reach this point.
And the former second-round draft pick and Southeastern Conference star is giving his teammates a lift with his courage.
“It’s really inspiring to see him fight back and do everything that he’s been doing,” safety Jalen Pitre said. “He’s a guy that I want on my team because I know it’s no quit in a guy like that. He’s continuing to show up and continuing to fight. And that’s big for me.”
#Texans wide receiver John Metchie III making an inspirational comeback after missing entire rookie year with leukemia @KPRC2 @AlabamaFTBL @WME_Sports Metchie fully cleared for training camp after strained hamstring in spring pic.twitter.com/93yiMHgdFv
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 26, 2023
Metchie isn’t available for interviews yet as he works his way back into football shape. He was sidelined during offseason practices after straining his hamstring.
“He’s clear to participate here in training camp,” Caserio said. “John is ready to go. I know he had a little bit of a setback there in the spring. He’s cleared. He’s ready to practice. So, kind of take him one day at a time. I’m sure he’s anxious, anxious and excited, to be back out on the field.
Metchie caught passes from Mills and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in his return from the hamstring injury, and a serious illness that sidelined him a year ago.
According to medical journals, APL is a “unique subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with cells in the bone marrow that produce blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets) that do not develop and function normally. APL begins with one or more acquired changes (mutations) to the DNA of a single blood-forming cell. APL cells have a very specific abnormality that involves chromosomes 15 and 17, leading to the formation of an abnormal fusion gene PML/RARα. This mutated gene causes many of the features of the disease.”
A common symptom of APL is bleeding due to reduced numbers of platelets and deficiencies in clotting factors. That symptom can be life-threatening and has to be managed by medical supervision to prevent complications and treat the disease.
“Having Metchie out was awesome to see,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s a guy who’s been through so much and … while no cameras are on him, he’s been putting in the work. It’s encouraging to see and I’m happy to have him out here and I’m honored to be his coach.”
Metchie caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns two years ago for the Crimson Tide after catching 55 passes for 916 yards as a sophomore.
The Texans selected Metchie in the second round of last year’s draft after he had 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021 for Alabama. That came after he had 55 receptions for 916 yards as a sophomore
“Oh, man, I’m happy for him,” Texans safety Jimmie Ward said. “I’m happy to see him out there. He’s a stud. I saw him at ‘Bama.’ I was waiting to see him, and now since I’ve seen how he moves, I see why he was so highly drafted and highly talked upon.”
A common treatment for APL is a highly successful drug called ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid) to target the chromosomal abnormality. Because of advances in treatment, cure rates of 90% have been reported from medical centers specializing in APL treatment.
“Recently, I was diagnosed with APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia), the most curable form of leukemia,” Metchie said in a statement before training camp last year. “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.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com