Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III is the recipient of the George Halas Award for the NFL’s 2023 season, the Pro Football Writers of America announced on Tuesday.

The George Halas Award is presented annually to an NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.

Metchie played in 16 regular-season games and two playoff contests after missing the 2022 season because of acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a former Alabama teammate of Metchie’s, and Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco were the other finalists for the George Halas Award this year.

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When they selected Metchie in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft after he caught 151 passes for 2,085 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Alabama, the Texans knew the wide receiver probably wouldn’t start his pro career on time. Metchie had suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his final game for the Crimson Tide – a 41-24 victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 5, 2021.

But Metchie was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in July 2022, and the illness and its treatment sidelined him until 2023.

According to the National Institutes of Health’s Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, acute promyelocytic leukemia occurs when “there are too many immature blood-forming cells (promyelocytes) in the blood and bone marrow. This buildup of promyelocytes leads to a shortage of normal white and red blood cells and platelets in the body. The signs and symptoms of APL include an increased risk both to bleed and form blood clots. Individuals may also experience excessive tiredness, pain in affected areas, loss of appetite and weight loss.”

Hamstring issues contributed to a slow start for Metchie in his comeback from cancer in 2023. But in Houston’s final four games – two in the regular season and two in the playoffs – Metchie played at least 35 offensive snaps in each for the first times in his career.

Including the playoffs, Metchie had 19 receptions for 202 yards and 13 yards on two rushing attempts in 2023.

Metchie is the fourth player from an Alabama high school or college to receive the George Halas Award from the PFWA. New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (Alabama) received the first award after the 1968 season. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver John Stallworth (Tuscaloosa, Alabama A&M) received the award for the 1984 season, and Atlanta Falcons running back William Andrews (Auburn) received the award for the 1986 season.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.