John Metchie says first pro catch felt 'surreal'

Until Thursday night, John Metchie hadn’t caught a pass in an actual football game since early December, 2021. That was back when he was a star receiver at Alabama.

He tore his anterior cruciate ligament that afternoon in Atlanta. Then months later, as he was readying for training camp with the Texans, doctors diagnosed him with leukemia, albeit a very treatable form. It all kept him off the field for 20 months. Some fans even counted the days. Try 614 between catches.

Although Thursday night’s game was a meaningless affair played on a rainy night in Foxborough, Mass, this basic catch likely will resonate through Metchie’s career. After all, you have to catch the first before your career starts.

Trust us, it was a meaningful five-yard reception. It was basic — Metchie ran a receiver screen. But the catch also converted a second-and-four. Reporters sought out Metchie for post-game comments.

“It felt great,” John Metchie told reporters. “It was a long time coming of course, but it was surreal and a great feeling to be out there with the team, to be out there with the guys and to be back playing football.

“It’s a good feeling. It’s a really good feeling to see all the support and all the love. Everybody coming up to me and telling me how happy they are to see me back out there. I feel really good, [I’m in] football shape.”

John Metchie got a first catch and a first win

The Texans won the game, 20-9. It was a typical preseason opener. Coaches didn’t use many of their projected starters. Houston quarterback CJ Stroud played only a slice of the first quarter. The No. 2 pick of the draft completed a couple of passes. He also threw an interception and got sacked by the Patriots defense. Houston coach DeMeco Ryans pulled Stroud, who was playing behind a patched up offensive line missing its two best players. There was no reason for Stroud to risk injury.

The Texans posted the John Metchie highlight to their website early Friday morning. You can watch it here.

There were a number of former Alabama players on the field, including Ryans, the Texans new coach. After the game, cameras found Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, who didn’t play in the game, sharing a congratulatory hug with Metchie.

Mac Jones reuniting with John Metchie III is the clip we all needed to see today.

So glad Metchie is back and healthy.
(via @NBCSPhilly) pic.twitter.com/6CBWTCG24D

— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) August 11, 2023

So what’s next for John Metchie? He and the Texans get back to training camp. Houston’s second preseason game is Aug. 19. And’s it’s a home game at NRG Stadium against the Dolphins. Coincidentally, he’ll have another reunion with a former Bama QB, Tua Tagovailoa.

And maybe he’ll have another catch.