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By Nathan Kamal
Contributing Sports Writer
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Houston Texans defensive end Dylan Horton will finally make his 2024 season debut facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11, just a year after being diagnosed with and successfully being treated for cancer.
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Horton began his college football career at the University of New Mexico, where he played in 17 games over two seasons. After his time with the Lobos, he entered the NCAA transfer portal. He ultimately transferred to TCU, where he was granted a waiver to play immediately.
In his first season with the Horned Frogs, Horton made a position switch from linebacker to defensive end. By 2021, he had become a starter and led the team with nine tackles for loss, while tying for the team lead with four sacks. As a senior, he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. In TCU's thrilling 51-45 victory over Michigan in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, Horton registered four sacks, forced a fumble, and broke up a pass.
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Following his standout college career, Horton was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 109th overall pick. However, the day after a standout performance in the Texans' Nov. 19 game against the Cardinals, where he recorded three tackles in a 21-16 victory, Horton received a life-changing phone call.
On the team's off day, a doctor from Houston Methodist Hospital reached out to him with troubling news. The test results indicated that Horton likely had cancer. He was advised to undergo a biopsy for confirmation. The diagnosis was Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, an advanced and rare cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
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Horton stepped away from football and, after treatment, went into remission in March.
"On December 1st, 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma," Horton said in a statement. "Through God's grace, I'm blessed to say that I'm currently in remission! I am grateful for the love from my family and friends, and support from the Texans organization and my doctors. My next objective is to complete my treatments, then get back to playing the game that I love. Thank you for your prayers and support as I continue this journey."
Now, a year later, Horton has been activated and is hitting the field this Sunday against the Cowboys, marking his first game back in Texas. It is reportedly an emotional homecoming for the 24-year-old defensive end, who said "Continuing to play football, continuing to be positive, and spread anything positive that I can spread. Being the person that I want to be."
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