Houston Texans rookie receiver John Metchie III announced on Sunday that he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and would likely miss the 2022 season. The football world came together to show their support.

One of those who expressed their support was Metchie's former head coach, Alabama's Nick Saban. In a statement released through the Alabama Football Twitter account, Saban sent his support to his former receiver.

“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 said in his statement that APL is the most curable form of leukemia. The Texans rookie assured everyone that he is in great spirits and that he expects to make a full recovery down the road.

The Texans drafted the Alabama standout in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Metchie broke out in 2020, racking up over 900 yards in 13 games in 2020. He caught 96 balls for 1142 yards and eight touchdowns in his junior season.

Article Continues Below
More Houston Texans News
Mystery player in the middle, CJ Stroud and Nico Collins around him, Texans logo in the background
1 Houston Texans rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampEnzo Flojo ·
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) rolls out to throw against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Texans’ C.J. Stroud gets ‘no concerns’ take from new OCZachary Weinberger ·
Houston Texans former defensive end J.J. Watt in attendance as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans.
NFL legend JJ Watt throws down epic dunk during Pat McAfee visitJosh Davis ·
image thumbnail
Texans’ riskiest move in 2025 NFL offseasonDouglas Fritz ·
Iowa State wideout and Houston Texans 2025 NFL Draft pick Jayden Higgins (WO18) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
NFL rumors: Texans, Browns the reason 2025 NFL Draft second-round picks aren’t signingTim Crean ·
Nick Chubb in the middle, Bears, Texans, Steelers logos in the background, Cloudy skies in the background
Ranking best Nick Chubb fits late in 2025 NFL free agencyEnzo Flojo ·

Metchie helped Saban's Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship Game, where he recorded 97 yards before leaving the game with a torn ACL. The Texans rookie would likely have been available for training camp prior to his diagnosis.

Metchie won the College Football Playoff National Championship with Alabama in 2020. The Crimson Tide made the National Championship Game in 2021, losing to Georgia.

The Texans rookie is a two-time recipient of the Jon Cornish Award. The player considered to be the best Canadian player in college football receives the award.

For now, football takes a backseat. Hopefully, Metchie makes a complete and full recovery and gets all the support he needs from those around him.