Houston Texans rookie WR John Metchie III reveals leukemia diagnosis, likely to miss 2022 season

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver John Metchie III revealed a recent leukemia diagnosis on Sunday and said he expects to miss the 2022 season as he focuses on treatment and recovery.

"Recently I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia), the most curable form of Leukemia," Metchie, 22, said in a statement posted to the Texans' Twitter account. "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."

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In a corresponding move, the Texans announced later on Sunday that they placed Metchie on the active/non-football illness list.

Metchie was a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, taken with the No. 44 overall selection. He starred at Alabama, where he caught 155 passes for 2,081 yards and 14 touchdowns in 30 games for the Crimson Tide.

Metchie was already facing another medical issue, after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the SEC Championship Game, a 41-24 Alabama victory over Georgia, on Dec. 4, 2021. Metchie had caught six passes for 97 yards and a score in the first half before he sustained the injury.

"John has overcome every challenge placed in front of him in his life with toughness and determination, and we are behind him every step of the way in his fight against leukemia," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Sunday in a statement. "It's a blessing that he is in a city known for great medical care and with an organization, in the Houston Texans, who will be with him throughout this journey. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with him throughout this battle."

Metchie, who is from Brompton, Ontario, Canada was diagnosed with a slightly enlarged heart in high school, but he was later cleared to play football. He was expected to bring an infusion of speed and athleticism to a Texans roster that is rebuilding and was competing for a starting spot on Houston's offense.

Houston has faced similar adversity before, as former offensive lineman David Quessenberry underwent treatment in 2014 after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin T lymphoblastic Lymphoma.