Texans' Metchie doubted he'd play again after cancer diagnosis

One year after being diagnosed with leukemia and missing his entire rookie season, Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III admitted that he was unsure if he'd be able to resume his football career.

"I feel like at the beginning stages, of course, you don't know what's going to happen or what the future has in store for you," Metchie said, according to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. "Of course, (you) hope that you can overcome it and play football, but I will probably say, the beginning stages, there might have been some doubt."

"You can only rely on your faith in those situations when you're faced with your own mortality," he added.

Now, the 23-year-old is "grateful" as he's set to return to the field Aug. 10 for his first taste of game action since tearing his ACL in college in December 2021. Metchie credited family, faith, and a great support network for helping him through his battle with cancer.

The wideout illustrated a knack for producing yards after the catch in his final two seasons at Alabama. He left the school having recorded 155 catches for 2,081 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Despite Metchie's battle with cancer and ACL recovery, head coach DeMeco Ryans will look to the receiver to contribute in 2023.

"Whatever it is, whatever role it is for our team, hopefully, he can help us win games," Ryans said.

Houston's wide receiving corps boasts plenty of veterans, including Robert Woods, Nico Collins, and Noah Brown. Metchie could compete for a significant role in the passing game alongside rookies Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson.