Houston Texans WR John Metchie III reels in first NFL touchdown

It’s only the preseason, but John Metchie III had an awesome moment against the New York Giants, as he caught his first NFL touchdown late in the second quarter.

After setting up the Texans with 1st and Goal, the former Alabama wide receiver reeled in a pass from Case Keenum, who relieved C.J. Stroud after the former second overall pick started the game. Metchie III made sure to get the ball beyond the goal line, giving the Texans the lead once again.

Check out the play below, as Metchie III made it look easy against the Giants’ second-string defense. He’ll be sure to get a ton of looks from whoever’s under-center at quarterback for the Texans in 2024.

LET’S GO 8️⃣

📺: ABC13 pic.twitter.com/yqzwt8KJMi

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024

As Metchie III gets his feet wet in the NFL, he’ll be an awesome piece for the reigning AFC South champions to add to their offense, as the Texans look to take another step forward in 2024.

CJ Stroud: John Metchie III will be ‘pivotal’ for Houston Texans this year

Moreover, the Houston Texans have numerous weapons heading into the 2024 season, but perhaps none will have a bigger year than John Metchie III. Returned from illness and injury, the former second-round pick is gearing up for Year 3 in the league and looking forward to a breakout season. His quarterback, CJ Stroud, certainly believes the Alabama alum can separate himself this year.

“The word proud doesn’t give it enough about how I feel with what he’s going through and what he’s been able to do,” Stroud said on Tuesday at minicamp. “As y’all can see, he’s running some of the best routes I’ve ever seen. His lateral quickness, his stop and start, he’s been through a lot fighting cancer and fighting injury… As you can see, he’s making plays, he’s showing up and showing out. 

“Another brother of mine. Not only am I there for him, but he’s also there for me. I’m excited for him to show his value that we’ve all known he has, now he can put it on the field. He’s going to be pivotal and important to the football team.”

The former Crimson Tide star tore his ACL in the SEC Championship game in December of 2021. The Texans drafted him in the second round of the NFL Draft four months later, regardless. Then doctors diagnosed Metchie with leukemia as NFL teams were opening preseason training camps.

After recovering from treatment, he then strained a hamstring. Metchie finally saw his first action last fall, but he still only caught 15 passes for 158 yards. He also added three post-season receptions. His career hasn’t been what the Texans hoped for when they drafted him, but he’s once again showing signs of being the 1,000-yard receiver he was in Tuscaloosa.