Texans wide receiver John Metchie III is one of the most inspirational players in the NFL.

Diagnosed last July with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a treatable form of the disease, Metchie missed his entire rookie season after being drafted in the second round and was placed on the non-football illness list.

Metchie has made steady progress in his recovery from leukemia and is expected to participate in the Texans’ offseason conditioning program, Aaron Wilson of KPRC in Houston reports.

“Yeah, John is doing fine,” Ryans said. “We’ll see John get involved with our offseason program. And with John, as with every other player, we’re going to take it one day at a time and see where he can grow and where he can be when the time comes. At the right time, when the season comes, we’ll see where he is.”

In a nod of respect toward Metchie wide receiver Jalen Camp delivered a convincing rendition of Metchie’s trademark touchdown celebration during a preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints last August.

When Metchie scored touchdowns at Alabama he would pose in the end zone in a manner reminiscent of the crane kick from the Karate Kid movies.

It was a planned celebration as the Texans’ wide receivers wanted to pay tribute to Metchie during his battle with leukemia. The first wide receiver to score a touchdown would carry out the celebration to honor Metchie.

“When you talk about a guy like John Metchie, just hearing his story and meeting him in person, it marries up,” Ryans said. “Outstanding young man off the field. Great energy. Always around. Every time I seen him in the building, huge smiling on his face.

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