Former Alabama standout and current Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III received the PFWA’s George Halas Award on Tuesday, an honor bestowed upon an NFL player, coach, or staff member who has overcome significant adversity to achieve success. Notably, another Crimson Tide product, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, was one of two runner-ups for this prestigious accolade.
Selected as the No. 44 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Metchie aimed to make an immediate impact for the Texans despite suffering an ACL tear in the SEC Championship game just months prior. However, his aspirations were halted when he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia on July 24 of the same year, sidelining him for his entire rookie season. While this form of leukemia is highly treatable, there were uncertainties about Metchie’s return to the field.
Undeterred, Metchie persevered through rigorous rehabilitation and eventually played in 16 games during the subsequent season. Reflecting on his journey back to football on Aug. 21, 2023, Metchie emphasized that while playing in the NFL was a childhood dream come true, he gained a newfound perspective on life’s greater priorities. Despite facing challenging moments during his cancer battle, Metchie acknowledged that there are more significant struggles that many people endure every day, providing him with invaluable perspective.
Houston has emerged as a prominent destination for former Alabama standouts, with Metchie, edge rusher and 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., linebackers Christian Harris and Henry To’oTo’o, and head coach DeMeco Ryans all having ties to Bryant-Denny Stadium. These connections played a crucial role in Houston’s remarkable turnaround from a 3-13-1 record in 2022 to a 10-7 record and a Divisional Round appearance in the past season. With high expectations for the upcoming season, the Texans look to continue their upward trajectory.
