Nigerian-born Toronto Argonauts safety, Royce Metchie, was named the 2024 CFL Honour Roll’s top defensive player on Tuesday. The 27-year-old earned a grade of 92.7 for his performance in Toronto’s 27-23 loss to the Calgary Stampeders, tying his career high with nine tackles, and adding an interception and a forced fumble over 62 snaps.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian father and Taiwanese mother, Metchie was raised in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and also lived in Ghana and Taiwan. His younger brother, John Metchie III, was drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft after playing college football at Alabama.

Royce Metchie played U-Sports football for the Guelph Gryphons from 2014 to 2017 before being drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the third round of the 2018 CFL Draft. He quickly made an impact, contributing to the Stampeders’ 106th Grey Cup victory in his rookie season. Metchie became the Stampeders' starting safety in 2019, recording 48 defensive tackles and three interceptions that season.

After a brief contract extension with Calgary in 2021, Metchie was traded to the Toronto Argonauts in 2022. He had a standout season with 72 defensive tackles and two interceptions, culminating in his second Grey Cup championship. In 2023, Metchie signed a two-year contract extension with the Argonauts.

Metchie's father, Ambassador Dr. John Metchie, expressed his pride in his son's achievements, praising him as a source of joy and inspiration. He thanked God for his son's continued success in the CFL and prayed for more blessings in his life.