(SportsRadio 610) - With the organization hurting and in disbelief less than 24 hours after learning of the passing of longtime team President Jamey Rootes, there was a little sunshine Tuesday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
Texans rookie second-round pick John Metchie III made his first appearance at the team practice facility since learning he’d been diagnosed with leukemia in July.
Head coach Lovie Smith said Tuesday morning meant a lot to the players and coaches to have Metchie be present with the team on the sideline.
"Practice does have a little bit different feel when you have a special guest come back," Smith said. "You know we’ve been praying for John and just watching him deal with a tough illness, but it’s good for the team to see him back in the fold."
Metchie, who the Texans traded up in the second round to get, sending three picks to the Browns for the rights to select the standout from Alabama, had 96 catches for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns last season at Alabama before tearing his ACL in the SEC championship game in December.
Before his diagnosis, he was fully expecting to be ready for training camp.
His presence Tuesday morning was during a difficult time for the organization and a pivotal week for so many players that are fighting to make a team, hoping to begin a career in the NFL was uplifting for all.
"It was good to have his presence," veteran cornerback Steven Nelson said. "We haven’t seen him in a while and glad he’s in good spirits."
Linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill said seeing Metchie and understanding what he’s been battling has been eye opening.
“It makes us take a look at all of us,” Grugier-Hill said. "We take this for granted a lot, and for a guy like Metchie to just wake up one day and his whole life is just different, ya know, for now. It’s a blessing to be out here. We’re excited to see him grow and just continue to get better."
Texans left tackle Tytus Howard said it meant a lot to him personally to see Metchie with the team and that it speaks to the type of player he’s going to be when he’s able to rejoin the team in a full capacity.
“He’s going through a lot right now, and it’s a testimony to him that he’s out here supporting us for what we got going on,” Howard said. “It was good to see him.”
Metchie wasn’t available for comment, but did address the team during the early stages of training camp before making his visit Tuesday morning.
Every Texans receiver that scores a touchdown this season will pay tribute to Metchie, so to speak, imitating Metchie’s signature celebration, the “Crimson Crane” he made famous during his final season at Alabama.
Shaun Bijani has spent the last 16 years covering the Houston sports scene for SportsRadio 610. Follow him on Twitter @ShaunBijani.