DH #92

Dylan Horton

Defensive End · TCU

A TCU pass-rusher whose comeback from Stage IV lymphoma to the NFL field stands as one of the sport's most remarkable stories.

Dylan Horton's football journey has been defined by resilience, from bouncing between positions and schools in college to overcoming a Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis during his rookie season. The Houston native and former TCU standout has since returned to the field for the Texans as a rotational edge rusher.

★ Honorable mention All-Big 12, TCU, 2022

★ Fourth-round pick, 2023 NFL Draft (No. 109 overall)

★ Returned to the NFL in 2024 after reaching remission from Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma

Path to the league

Horton began his college career at New Mexico as an outside linebacker before transferring to TCU, where he was moved to defensive end and became a starter in 2021. As a senior in 2022 he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors and closed his career with a four-sack, forced-fumble performance in the Fiesta Bowl win over Michigan. The Texans drafted him in the fourth round, 109th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Horton finished his TCU career with 144 tackles and 17.5 sacks. In the NFL, his most notable achievement came off the field: diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2023, he completed treatment and reached remission by early 2024, returning to the Texans' active roster that October.

2025 season recap

Horton continued working his way back into Houston's defensive line rotation through 2025, part of a career that has totaled 39 regular-season games with 55 tackles, 0.5 sacks and a forced fumble as he rebuilds his role after his health battle.