John Metchie III’s Fresh Start with the Philadelphia Eagles

John Metchie III’s recent transition to the Philadelphia Eagles marks a promising new chapter in his NFL journey. After overcoming significant adversity early in his career, including a battle with acute promyelocytic leukemia that sidelined his rookie season, Metchie has emerged as a symbol of resilience and determination. His trade from the Houston Texans to the Eagles in August 2025 not only reunites him with former Alabama teammate DeVonta Smith but also places him in a dynamic offensive system that could unlock his full potential.

Metchie’s collegiate career at Alabama showcased his sharp route-running, reliable hands, and ability to perform under pressure. These traits, combined with his mental toughness, make him a valuable asset for the Eagles, who are looking to deepen their receiving corps. In his two seasons with the Texans, Metchie recorded 40 receptions for 412 yards and a touchdown — modest numbers, but impressive considering his health challenges and limited opportunities.

The move to Philadelphia offers Metchie a fresh environment, supportive teammates, and a coaching staff known for maximizing player talent. His joyful demeanor in recent training sessions suggests he’s embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm. As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, Metchie’s presence could be a key factor in their offensive success.

More than just a football story, Metchie’s journey is a testament to perseverance. His comeback and new beginning with the Eagles inspire not only fans but also anyone facing personal battles. The future looks bright for John Metchie III.

Texans' DeMeco Ryans Reacts to John Metchie, Eagles Trade

The Houston Texans made a trade this past week to deal wide receiver John Metchie III to the Philadelphia Eagles, paired with a sixth-round pick, in exchange for tight end Harrison Bryant and a fifth-round pick.

It ends the tenure of Metchie's time in Houston after three years with the team, starting as a second round pick who wound up appearing in 29 total games with the Texans.

For head coach DeMeco Ryans, the move to send out Metchie was far from easy, calling the move both "not easy to do" while labeling the wideout an "inspiration" to him and many around the building.

“I really have a lot of love and affinity for Metchie,” Ryans said after the trade on Monday. “Everything that he’s been through in his professional career, the things that he had to battle through, push through and overcome. Just very fond of the guy... He’s an inspiration to myself, and he’s an inspiration to a lot of people to see what he was able to go through, overcome, get back to playing football and work back his first two years."

Coming out of the 2022 NFL Draft, Metchie would see his time in the league quickly shaken up as he would go on to be diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a cancer affecting his white blood cells that needed immediate treatment starting in the offseason of 2022, and thus, derailed his entire rookie season with Houston.

However, it would be a year later when Metchie would be named cancer-free, able to return to play, and on the field with Houston once the 2023 offseason rolled around. Nothing short of a motivating and inspiring story to see unfold.

In his time with the Texans, he would go on to play in 29 games, start in three of them, totaling to 412 yards on 40 catches and a touchdown.

This offseason though, the Texans would opt to ship out Metchie to the Eagles, a move that evens out this Houston receiving room, while helping aid a tight end group that was faced with the season-ending injury of Brevin Jordan earler last week.

But even with the trade in place, Coach Ryans noted this training camp as being the best he's seen out of Metchie, who now finds his way over the Philadelphia for his next opportunity.

“I thought Metchie looked the best he’s looked this camp,” Ryans said. “He’s done a really nice job of preparing himself, putting himself in a really good spot. He’s done everything we’ve asked, did everything the right way... It hurts to lose him, but I know he’s going on to a really good opportunity there in Philly,” Ryans said. “He’ll continue to flourish, he’ll thrive in Philly because Metchie has the right mindset.”