John Metchie

John Metchie's Biography

John Metchie III, born on July 18, 2000, has been making waves as a Taiwanese-Canadian professional football star who currently plays as a wide receiver for the National Football League’s (NFL) Houston Texans. Metchie’s career began taking shape at the University of Alabama, acclaimed for their football program, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Winning the esteemed Jon Cornish Trophy twice even before joining the NFL is a testament to the exceptional talent and skill that sets Metchie apart.

Metchie was thrust into the NFL limelight when he was picked by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. However, his journey to the top wasn’t without its trials. Metchie was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, which forced him to raincheck his professional debut. Despite the setback, he valiantly roared back onto the scene, making his first NFL appearance the following year in 2023.

John Metchie III’s story begins in Taiwan, where he was born to a Taiwanese mother and Nigerian father on July 18, 2000. His first year was spent in Accra, Ghana, before he moved to Brampton, Ontario, Canada with his mother and four brothers. Meanwhile, his father continued his stint in Ghana. This international upbringing hints at his exposure to diverse cultures from a tender age.

An enduring fascination for football eventually led Metchie to the United States, where he enrolled at the St. James School in Hagerstown, Maryland. His pursuit of football continued vigorously as he undertook a post-graduate year at the Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey. The crowning glory of his early football pursuits was when he was selected to play college football at the University of Alabama.

Having played in all 13 games of his freshman year at Alabama in 2019, Metchie seemed to be off to a promising start. His verve for the game was palpable each time he took to the field, finishing the season with four catches totaling 23 yards. Metchie’s sophomore year in 2020 saw him quickly rise to be one of Alabama’s top three receivers, an accomplishment marked by his staggering 916 yards on 55 receptions coupled with six touchdowns.

The 2020 season proved to be remarkable for Metchie. Not only did he hone his skills and cement his place as a leading receiver, he was also the proud recipient of the Jon Cornish Trophy. This award, conferred on the top-performing Canadian in NCAA football each season, added another golden feather to his blooming career. Despite suffering an ACL injury in the 2021 SEC Championship Game, Metchie received his second Jon Cornish Trophy the same year, joining the prestigious league of two-time winners like Nathan Rourke.

In 2022, Metchie navigated through an important milestone in his career when he was picked by the Houston Texans in the NFL Draft. His move to professional football was echoed by the BC Lions, who picked him in the Canadian Football League (CFL) Draft. However, his heart was with the Texans, signing a four-year, $8 million contract with them.

That same year, Metchie was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, which kept him off the turf for his rookie season. This challenging phase did not deter his spirits, and the following year he returned to football, playing his first NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts. His triumphant return was celebrated further when he was awarded the 2024 George Halas Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, a tribute to him overcoming adversity.

Football seems to run in the Metchie family, as his older brother, Royce Metchie, shares the same passion and follows his brother’s footsteps as a defensive back for the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts.

In summary, John Metchie III’s story is one of resilience and sportsmanship. Despite the hurdles he faced, he emerged victorious, inspiring many with his grit and determination.