John Metchie has finally arrived.
It’s been over 800 days since Metchie, once the No. 2 pick of the Houston Texans, reached the end zone. He missed his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Entering Year 3, Metchie’s role was still not established, especially after the standout seasons of Nico Collins and Tank Dell and the arrival of four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. He would have to earn playing time in 2024 while also beating out several competitors to make the roster.
After Sunday’s 28-10 win over the New York Giants, he may be the favorite to take the fifth spot as a receiver.
“I’m still young and I’m writing my story,” Metchie said after his breakthrough at NRG Stadium. “This is where my head is. This is where my feet are. I don’t look like I’m closing the book or anything.
“I am grateful for every opportunity.”
LET’S GO 8️⃣
📺: ABC13 pic.twitter.com/yqzwt8KJMi
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) 17 August 2024
Metchie’s story isn’t over yet in Houston after he tied his team’s most catches with six for 68 yards and a touchdown. He could write the next chapter and help the Texans advance to the divisional round for the first time in franchise history.
The former Alabama star had a career-high three catches for 44 yards in last season’s wild-card round win over Cleveland, and he nearly matched the same total on his first drive with three catches for 36 yards.
After catching a 15-yard pass from Case Keenum, the two scored a 3-yard touchdown to give Houston a 14-7 lead with 3:48 left in the first half.
At the start of the third quarter, Keenum again found Metchie for a gain of 11 and his third first down conversion.
For bubble players, it’s crucial to get the coach’s attention. Metchie did that on his first target. Keenum tried to throw a ball down the sideline, but it floated toward the sideline. That didn’t stop Metchie, however, from contorting his body to come down with the ball out of bounds.
A little further to the right and it would have been a gain of 32 meters.
#Texans Wide receiver John Metchie III @IiiMetchie reflects on his first #NFL Touchdown, journey to overcome so much adversity with his health to get to this point with six catch game @KPRC2 @WME_Sports @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/sJ3oSdIbSB
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) 17 August 2024
“It’s exciting to watch Metchie make those plays,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Nobody is more motivated than his teammates. You see the other receivers and their genuine excitement for him when he makes those plays. The whole team is rooting for him to do well.”
Metchie finished his sophomore year with 16 catches for 116 yards. In three preseason games, he collected eight catches for 78 yards. He was also one of the best playmakers in practice and served as a rotation specialist for CJ Stroud and Davis Mills.
“I’m very happy for him,” said Stroud. “It’s just getting started for him.”
Because of his performance, Metchie is this week’s Texans Wire Player of the Game.
