Tanner McKee and John Metchie, both members of the Philadelphia Eagles, recently discovered a shared experience that connects them beyond football. During a dinner conversation, they learned that each is a cancer survivor—a realization that brought them closer and offered new understanding.
The Eagles are set to recognize the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative at their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos. This league-wide campaign aims to raise awareness for cancer prevention and early detection throughout October.
“For me, there was a lot of people that I met [during] my time in the hospital that had a huge impact on me in my life,” said Metchie. “People can look and see that you can come out on the other side and continue to aspire and still achieve your dreams regardless of that situation.
“I think what it all teaches you is to take it one day at a time, whether you’re going through something or you want to do something, at the end of day all we have is right now. … [Cancer] teaches you to take it one day at a time and to be completely where you are.”
McKee was diagnosed with melanoma as a teenager, while Metchie missed his rookie season due to leukemia. Both have since recovered fully and now play active roles in the NFL.
Reflecting on their experiences, McKee said: “I think it shows what’s important with family, faith, just different things like that. Anything can be taken away at any moment in time. So just keeping that perspective, being grateful for the things that you do have, if you are healthy and have a family and have those certain things, I think it kind of puts things into perspective.”
Metchie added: “One, [it gave me] the gratitude for life. That life is the most important thing, our ability to be alive and wake up each and every day. Just to wake up period and then on top of that to do the things you love to do or aspire to do the things you love to do. [Also], your loved ones, their health, things like that. It gives you a fresh energy of showing up and being passionate towards the things that you want to do.”
Both players have contributed back to others affected by cancer. In 2022, Metchie was named NFLPA Community MVP after inviting nurses and patients from his treatment period for an event at NRG Stadium shortly after his diagnosis. McKee has also participated in outreach efforts by visiting young patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia alongside teammates.
Their involvement underscores how personal experience can motivate athletes’ community engagement efforts.
“I think it gives you a good perspective on things. Just life’s tough for a lot of people, and so if you can kind of give joy to other people, that’s pretty cool, just by showing up and saying ‘Hi’ for a couple minutes,” McKee said. “I feel like just with me, I’ve had that perspective as well, just what could have happened or just different things like that. I think it just keeps me well balanced.”
During Sunday’s game against Denver, the Eagles will honor individuals impacted by cancer during pregame ceremonies and halftime events. Arianna Barricelli—herself a pediatric cancer survivor—will perform the National Anthem. The team also partnered with Bringing Hope Home for an event hosting about 50 people affected by cancer at NovaCare Complex.
“It’s just a good reminder. A refreshment of perspective,” Metchie said regarding Crucial Catch activities across the league this month. “It’s a moment to acknowledge something bigger than yourself and that a lot of people deal with. And as far as myself, also kind of take a look at what I’ve been through. It’s good for the moment.”
