Former Tide WR John Metchie III Announces Leukemia Diagnosis

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former University of Alabama standout wide receiver and current Houston Texan John Metchie III on Sunday announced he has been diagnosed with leukemia and will now likely miss the 2022 season as he receives treatment.

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"Recently I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyeloacytic Leukemia), the most curable form of Leukemia," Metchie said in a statement released by the Texans on Sunday. "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 went on to say he will not likely play this season, as his main focus will be on health and recovery.

"I cannot wait to come back stronger than ever," he said.

During the 2021 campaign for the Tide, Metchie logged 1,142 receiving yards and eight touchdowns as he headed up one of the most talented receiving corps in college football.

Despite a season-ending knee injury against Georgia in the 2021 SEC Championship game, Metchie rebounded to be drafted 44th overall by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

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