John Metchie III, who missed his rookie season because of leukemia, scores the first TD of his career

The fact that Houston Texans receiver John Metchie III even played football again was a great story. Sunday evening was just a nice bonus.

Before Metchie’s rookie season in 2022, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Metchie said he feared he might not be able to play football again. He was treated, recovered and played again for the Texans last season.

Metchie had a slow first season, rushing for 158 yards. He didn’t score a touchdown and didn’t have a touchdown in nine weeks this season.

On Sunday evening he scored his first NFL touchdown. All first touchdowns are special, but given what he’s been through, this one had to have special meaning for Metchie.

Metchie was asked to take on a larger role in the offense with Nico Collins out with a hamstring injury and Stefon Diggs out for the season with a knee injury. His touchdown was a big win for the Texans as it gave them a 23-7 lead just before halftime.

But this particular result was more important to Houston than just what it meant on the scoreboard.