Former Alabama star John Metchie III did not have a traditional start to his NFL career. However, he’s finally ready and poised to be a contributor for the Houston Texans.

After 4 catches for 36 yards so far this season, Metchie is in the middle of a breakout performance in place of the injured Stefon Diggs on Sunday Night Football. Facing the Detroit Lions, Metchie was everywhere for the Texans with 4 catches for 65 yards.

It is already a career-high night for Metchie, and he put a punctuation mark on his breakout first half. He hauled in his first NFL touchdown via a pass from CJ Stroud to cap a dominant half of football from the Texans.

Metchie was a key contributor for Alabama’s 2020 national champion team with 916 yards that season before going for over 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns in the 2021 season. He is even going up against fellow running mate Jameson Williams, a member of the Detroit Lions, on Sunday Night Football.

Sunday’s touchdown has to feel especially sweet for Metchie after his winding path. A 2nd-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Metchie missed all of the 2022 season after being diagnosed with leukemia.

He returned to action in the 2023 season in a limited role. Now, he is turning in a breakout performance under the bright lights for the Texans.