University of Alabama community rallies behind John Metchie III after leukemia diagnosis

On Sunday, former University of Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III announced that he had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia.

Metchie announced his diagnosis in a statement through the Houston Texans, who drafted the former UA standout early in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.

“Recently I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia), the most curable form of Leukemia. I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirits and I expect to make a recovery at a later point in time,” advised Metchie. “As a result of the 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.”

Shortly after Metchie detailed his condition, the Texans announced that the franchise had placed its rookie wide receiver on the active/non-football illness list.

Touching on his former player’s ability to overcome life adversity, UA head football coach Nick Saban proclaimed that the university’s community was “behind him every step of the way.”

“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,” said Saban. “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’s journey to The Capstone was atypical of that compared to his peers.

Born in Taiwan in 2000, a one-year-old Metchie moved to the Republic of Ghana in West Africa. He and his family then relocated to Canada, before the young athlete moved to the United States to play football at St. James School in Maryland.

UA’s recruitment of Metchie began while playing at preparatory school in New Jersey, where he garnered the attention the Tide coaching staff. He would eventually earn a scholarship offer and take his talents to Tuscaloosa.

During his sophomore year at Alabama in 2020, Metchie emerged as a go-to target for Alabama, racking up 916 yards through 55 receptions and six touchdowns.

Metchie bolstered his standing with the high-powered Tide offense during his senior campaign, leading Alabama to claim the SEC championship and a national title.

After announcing his diagnosis, Metchie received overwhelming support from the Alabama faithful, which sent their thoughts and prayers to one of its own.

Crimson Tide fanatic and comedian Jermaine “Funnymaine” Johnson sent “good vibes” to the two-time Jon Cornish Trophy winner.

https://twitter.com/FunnyMaine/status/1551270184865996800?s=20&t=hKowbiHA_ZkAS7xMCjlPHQ

The Texans wideout also garnered support from multiple Tide-centric fan accounts and media publications.

sending prayers to former Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III as he recently was diagnosed with APL (most curable form of Leukemia). you got this John! pic.twitter.com/gCeWpzk6Wg

— Barstool Bama (@BarstoolAlabama) July 24, 2022

Godspeed to John Metchie 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Ivjw01gdSW

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) July 25, 2022

Metchie was sent well wishes from a number of his former Bama teammates, including star defensive back Jordan Battle and Washington Commanders defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis.