John Metchie has finally arrived.
It’s been over 800 days since Metchie, the once-expected No. 2 target for the Houston Texans, found the end zone. He missed all of his rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Entering Year 3, nothing was promised regarding Metchie’s role, especially after breakout seasons from Nico Collins and Tank Dell, plus the arrival of four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. He would have to earn playing time in 2024 while also holding off several competitors looking to make the roster.
He leaves Sunday’s 28-10 win over the New York Giants as perhaps the favorite to lock up the No. 5 receiver spot.
“I’m still young and I’m still writing my story,” Metchie said following his breakout outing at NRG Stadium. “That’s where my head is at. It’s where my feet are at. I don’t look like I’m closing the book or something.
“I’m grateful for every opportunity.”
LET’S GO 8️⃣
📺: ABC13 pic.twitter.com/yqzwt8KJMi
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024
Metchie’s story isn’t over in Houston after finishing with a team-high six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. He could be writing the next chapter as a piece that helps the Texans advance past the divisional round for the first time in franchise history.
The former Alabama star stepped up last season in the wild-card round victory over Cleveland with a career-high three catches for 44 yards. He nearly matched that total on his first drive with three catches for 36 yards.
After hauling in a 15-yard pass from Case Keenum, the duo connected for a 3-yard touchdown, giving Houston the 14-7 lead with 3:48 remaining in the first half.
At the start of the third quarter, Keenum found Metchie again for a gain of 11 and his third first-down conversion.
Catching the coach’s attention is critical for bubble players. Metchie accomplished that on his first target. Keenum tried to launch one down the sidelines, but it floated toward the sidelines. That didn’t stop Metchie from contorting his body to come down with the ball out of bounds.
A bit more to the right and it would have been a 35-yard gain.
#Texans wide receiver John Metchie III @IiiMetchie reflects on his first #NFL touchdown, journey to overcome so much adversity with his health to get to this point with six catch game @KPRC2 @WME_Sports @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/sJ3oSdIbSB
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 17, 2024
“It’s exciting to see Metchie make those plays,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Nobody is more fired up than all of his teammates, you see the other receivers and their genuine excitement for him when he makes those plays. The entire team, as a whole, is pulling for him to do well.”
Metchie finished his second year with 16 catches for 116 yards. Through three preseason games, he’s collected eight receptions for 78 yards. He’s also been one of the top playmakers in practice, serving as a rotational specialist for both C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills.
“I’m very excited for him,” Stroud said. “It’s only just beginning for him.”
For his performance, Metchie is this week’s Texans Wire Player of the Game.
