Prayers for Texans (Bama) John Metchie III

Childhood of Texans John Metchie III

Metchie grew up different from most college football stars. John Metchie III was born to a Taiwanese mother and Nigerian father. He was born in Taiwan, but left when he was too young to remember his time there. Metchie’s family moved to Ghana. This is where his daily struggle to run away from neighborhood dogs was the first sign of his speed and agility.

When Metchie was 6 years old his family immigrated to Canada. This is where he fell in love with football via the CFL. Metchie and his siblings participated in various sports. At only 14 years old, Metchie left his family to play football at Saint James School in Hagerstown, Maryland. It was in Hagerstown where he faced his first significant health setback. After a hard kick to the chest area, Metchie was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. Fortunately a specialist told him he could continue to play football.

John Metchie III Wide Receiver for The Crimson Tide

Following Metchie’s first visit to The University of Alabama, he made his decision. His visit included meeting greats like Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, and DeVonta Smith. He arrived to Bama as 5th on the depth chart, but following Waddle’s right ankle injury, Metchie stepped up to the challenge.  From 2019-2021 Metchie had over 150 receiptions for 2,081 yards, and 14 scores.

In the 2021 SEC title game, Metchie sustained a season ending injury just before the half. After six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown, his time playing for the SEC title and the national championship had ended.

Drafted by the Houston Texans

Despite Metchie’s ACL injury, the Texans drafted John Metchie III 44th overall. Metchie played in the May mini-camp but is unable to participate in camp beginning this week due to his diagnosis of APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia).  With advances in diagnosis and treatment, APL has a 90% recovery rate. Metchie plans to focus on his health and remission from this disease at this time.