Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III revealed Sunday that he has been diagnosed with a form of leukemia that will likely sideline him for his rookie season.
Describing his diagnosed condition, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), as the "most curable form" of the disease, Metchie expressed an optimistic outlook.
I am currently receiving excellent medical care, doing well and looking forward to a long recovery," he said in a statement shared by the Texans.
I can't wait," added the 22-year-old wide receiver, "to come back stronger than ever.
A second-round pick out of Alabama, Mechi is recovering from surgery to repair torn knee ligaments suffered during the SEC title game in December.
He was able to participate on a limited basis in some offseason training activities with the Texans and said he hopes to be at full strength for training camp, which begins Sunday.
Mechi said in his statement that he "probably won't play football this season." He added, "My main focus will be on my health and recovery.
According to the National Institutes of Health's Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, APL is estimated to affect fewer than 3,000 people in the United States.
It is described as a condition in which an excess of immature blood-forming cells (promyelocytes) in the blood and bone marrow results in a deficiency of white and red blood cells and platelets.
APL can cause excessive bleeding or blood clots, and other symptoms can include anemia, anorexia, and fatigue, vertigo, and muscle weakness.