Former Alabama WR John Metchie III Shines Against New York Giants

Alabama's 2021 team, which came up a game short of a national championship, was led by Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young, who became the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.

Still, Young couldn't have done it without his pair of elite receivers Jameson Williams and John Metchie III. The duo hauled in 175 catches for 2,714 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns to terrorize the sport.

Williams and Metchie formed a special bond, but one of their most notorious aspects was their touchdown celebration: the crane kick.

Whether it was after defeating Auburn in overtime or the SEC title against Georgia, the pair struck the pose whenever they got the chance.

On Saturday during his preseason game against the New York Giants, Metchie continued the tradition in the NFL.

Veteran quarterback Case Keenum rolled right on a snap from inside the five and found Metchie on an outbreaking route for the wide receiver's first preseason touchdown of the year. The crane pose followed shortly after.

Metchie finished the Texans second of three preseason games by leading the team with six catches for 68 yards.

The former Crimson Tide star is entering his third NFL season but just his second year garnering playing time after a year hiatus due to leukemia.

Metchie made one of the most remarkable comebacks and was back on the field in just a year last fall.

Still working on getting back to full speed, Metchie caught just 16 passes for 158 yards in 2023.

Now playing behind Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell, it will be hard for Metchie to find playing time, but as seen in the preseason game he can shake defenders with the best of them.

Related: Three Alabama Players Who Have The Most To Gain During The 2024 CFB Season