A touchdown as redemption
John Metchie III scores his first NFL touchdown for the Houston Texans after being diagnosed with leukemia and surpasses his career best in receiving yards.
Texans wide receiver John Metchie III celebrated a touchdown
© IMAGO/Newscom World
John Metchie III scores his first NFL touchdown for the Houston Texans after being diagnosed with leukemia and surpasses his career best in receiving yards.
It was a long road, but Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III scored his first career NFL touchdown to give the Texans a 23-7 lead over the Detroit Lions. Metchie, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022 and missed his rookie season, has waited a long time for his breakthrough. On Sunday the time had finally come.
The Texans were in the two-minute drill and with 16 seconds left on the clock before halftime, on a third attempt and ten yards, quarterback CJ Stroud found Metchie in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown. Stroud to Metchie. TOUCHDOWN! A moment that was celebrated by the fans. In the end, the Texans lost at home to the Lions 23:26.
Return of NFL star to the field
Metchie returned to football for the 2023 season but saw limited playing time, finishing the season with 158 receiving yards. At the start of this season, his playing time declined as he fell behind All-Pro wideout Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins. But both Collins (hamstring injury) and Diggs (season-ending knee injury) were absent from the Lions matchup, and Metchie took advantage of the opportunity.
Not only did he score his first career touchdown, he also surpassed his previous career best in receiving yards with 65 yards in the first half. An impressive performance that shows Metchie is ready to take on a larger role on the Houston Texans team.
