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Metchie III and Betts Stand Out in NFL Pre-Season for Canada
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    Metchie III and Betts Stand Out in NFL Pre-Season for Canada

    While the NFL pre-season really means nothing when it comes to determining which teams will look good when the games actually count, the exhibition schedule can be an excellent stage for players to show they belong in the spotlight.

    Canadians John Metchie III and Mathieu Betts took advantage of their opportunities in pre-season play on Saturday.

    Metchie, a receiver for the Houston Texans, dove to haul in a three-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum in the second quarter of the team’s victory over the New York Giants.

    It was the first touchdown for Metchie, 24, since 2021 in the NCAA ranks for Alabama. He missed all of 2022 after being diagnosed with leukemia before making 16 catches for 158 yards in his first NFL season last year.

    Metchie, raised in Brampton, Ont., led the Texans with six catches for 68 yards on Saturday.

    “It’s exciting to see Metchie make those plays,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Nobody is more fired up than all of his teammates, you see the other receivers and their genuine excitement for him when he makes those plays. The entire team, as a whole, is pulling for him to do well.”

    The Texans are loaded at receiver, but star quarterback C.J. Stroud was singing the praises of Metchie after the game.

    “Metchie’s been working really hard. He’s a great friend of mine, somebody I have a lot of love for,” Stroud said. “It’s just exciting for him to be able to put all his talents on display. I’m really excited for him. … It’s only just the beginning for him.”

    Meanwhile, Betts, a rookie defensive lineman with the Detroit Lions, shot through the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line to sack quarterback Carson Wentz in the second quarter of their game.

    The 29-year-old Montreal native signed with Detroit in the off-season after recording 18 sacks and being named top defensive player in the CFL last season with the B.C. Lions.

    Betts entered the CFL with Edmonton in 2019 after a training-camp look with the Chicago Bears in the aftermath of an excellent university career at Laval.

    — with files from AP.

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    The NFL pre-season is well underway, and two Canadian players are making a big impact on the field. John Metchie III and Chase Claypool have been turning heads with their standout performances for their respective teams.

    Metchie III, a wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has been impressing scouts and coaches with his speed, route running, and hands. The Toronto native has been a key target for quarterback Bryce Young in the pre-season, showcasing his ability to make big plays down the field. Metchie III’s performance has not gone unnoticed, with many experts predicting that he could be a top draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

    On the other hand, Chase Claypool, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been making waves with his physicality and athleticism. The Abbotsford native has been a standout player in training camp, making acrobatic catches and showing off his ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch. Claypool’s performance has solidified his role as a key player in the Steelers’ offense, and many are expecting him to have a breakout season in the NFL.

    Both Metchie III and Claypool are shining examples of the talent that Canada has to offer in the world of American football. Their success in the NFL pre-season is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and skill on the field. As they continue to impress coaches and fans alike, it is clear that these two Canadian players have bright futures ahead of them in the NFL.