Houston Texans rookie receiver John Metchie shocked football fans Sunday when he revealed he had been diagnosed with a rare but treatable form of leukemia.
“Recently I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia), the most curable of Leukemia,” Metchie said via a statement from the Texans. “I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirts and I expect to make a recovery at a later point in time.”
Football is out of the question for the second-round pick from Alabama as he focuses on beating cancer. Nevertheless Metchie drew support from the Texans organization following his announcement.
Texans president Greg Grissom took to Twitter and expressed support for Metchie.
“We wish you a quick and easy recovery, John!” Grissom wrote. “H-Town is behind you!”
Defensive lineman Thomas Booker, who was taken in the fifth round, gave encouragement to Metchie, his fellow draft mate.
“Already know that the comeback will be legendary,” Booker wrote, punctuating the statement with praying hands.
Former Texans guard Chester Pitts, also a second-round pick with the organization, who played from 2002-09, expressed his support for Metchie.
Prayers up! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/6QjXpTzpiT
— Chester M. Pitts, II (@ChesterPitts) July 24, 2022
Metchie anticipated that he would receive such warm support from the Texans and the rest of the sports community — athletes, fans, and commentators alike — which is why he thanked everyone in advance.
“My main focus will be on my healthy and recovery,” Metchie wrote. “Thank you in advance for your support and well-wishes. I cannot wait to come back stronger than ever. God bless.”
Metchie was already working back from a torn ACL sustained in December in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. Given that Metchie will have a serious injury and a serious illness to overcome, it will be the rudiments for a hardened origin story once the wideout is finally able to suit up in the NFL.