Former Alabama WR John Metchie III Diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
John Metchie III announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia and will likely miss his first season in the NFL with the Houston Texans. The news was revealed in a statement from Metchie released by the Texans as the former Alabama receiver stated that his main focus will be on his health and recovery.
“Recently I was diagnosed with APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia), the most curable form of leukemia,” Metchie said in the post. “I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirits and I expect to make a full 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.”
Alabama head coach Nick Saban released a statement later Sunday afternoon sharing his support for Metchie.
"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," Saban said. "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 spent the last three seasons at Alabama after joining the Crimson Tide as a four-star recruit in the 2019 class. He was drafted by the Texans with the No. 44 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft.
During his junior year at Alabama last season, Metchie led the Crimson Tide with 96 receptions while finishing second on the team with 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns through the air. He also caught the game-winning two-point conversion during Alabama's four-overtime win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
His season was cut short after he suffered a torn ACL during last year's SEC Championship Game against Georgia on Dec. 4. However, he was expected to be available for the start of the season.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, "Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a blood cancer characterized by a marked increase in a type of white blood cells known as promyelocytes, a type of immature white blood cell. It develops in about 600 to 800 individuals each year in the United States, most often in adults around the age of 40. The characteristic symptom of APL is the associated bleeding disorder (coagulopathy), which can lead to excessive bleeding but also to blood clot formation (thrombosis)."
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