Dylan Samuel Horton is an American professional football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was born on August 21, 2000, in Frisco, Texas, and attended Frisco High School where he played safety on the football team. Horton initially committed to play college football at SMU before flipping his commitment to the University of New Mexico during his senior year of high school following the departure of SMU head coach Chad Morris. He later transferred to Texas Christian University where he transitioned from linebacker to defensive end and developed into a standout pass rusher. The Houston Texans selected Horton in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 109th overall pick. He has overcome significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma, and continues to pursue his professional football career.
Dylan Horton Early Life and Background
Dylan Horton grew up in Frisco, Texas, where he attended Frisco High School. As a high school player, he served as the team safety and demonstrated the athleticism and football instincts that would eventually carry him to the professional level. His performance in high school attracted attention from multiple college programs, leading him to make an initial commitment to SMU to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
During his senior year of high school, a significant coaching change occurred when SMU head coach Chad Morris departed the program. This development prompted Horton to reconsider his commitment and ultimately flip his decision to play for the University of New Mexico instead. This early demonstration of adaptability and strategic decision-making would foreshadow the positional transitions he would navigate throughout his football career.
Dylan Horton Path to the NFL
Horton began his college football career at the University of New Mexico, suiting up for the New Mexico Lobos from 2018 to 2019. The coaching staff at New Mexico recognized his athletic potential and made a pivotal decision to move him from his natural safety position to outside linebacker. This positional change marked the beginning of Horton’s evolution as a defensive player and helped develop the skills that would serve him well at the next level. He appeared in 17 games across his two seasons with the Lobos, gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level.
Following the conclusion of his sophomore season, Horton entered the NCAA transfer portal seeking new opportunities. He ultimately transferred to Texas Christian University, where the Horned Frogs’ coaching staff secured an immediate eligibility waiver from the NCAA, allowing him to play without sitting out a season. At TCU, Horton underwent another position change, transitioning from linebacker to defensive end in his first season with the program. This move proved transformative for his career trajectory as he began developing into a more complete defensive player with specialized pass-rushing skills.
Dylan Horton Career
College Career (2020-2022)
Horton became a starter for the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2021 season, his second year with the program. That breakthrough season, he led the entire team with nine tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with four sacks. These impressive statistics demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and established him as a significant contributor to TCU’s defensive unit. His performance that season showcased the rapid development he had achieved since arriving at TCU and positioned him as a potential future professional player.
During his senior season in 2022, Horton earned honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference recognition, further validating his status as one of the top defensive players in the conference. His most memorable performance came in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl when TCU faced Michigan in a high-scoring 51-45 victory. In that championship game, Horton delivered a standout performance, recording four sacks and forcing one fumble while also breaking up a pass. That victory marked a significant achievement for TCU football and cemented Horton’s reputation as a clutch performer on the biggest stage.
Houston Texans (2023-Present)
The Houston Texans selected Dylan Horton in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 109th overall pick, adding him to their defensive line rotation. His selection represented the culmination of his journey from high school safety in Frisco, Texas, to professional football. Horton joined a Texans organization that was in the midst of rebuilding and developing young talent across its roster.
During his rookie season, Horton appeared in games for the Texans before stepping away from football on November 22, 2023, due to a personal health matter. The team placed him on the non-football illness list. In December 2023, he received a diagnosis of Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma, a serious but treatable form of cancer. Horton demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience throughout his treatment. The cancer entered remission in March 2024, and he completed radiation therapy in May 2024. The Texans placed him on the active/NFI list on July 18, 2024, before activating him from the list on October 5, 2024, allowing him to return to football activities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Horton’s football career has been defined by his adaptability and versatility across multiple defensive positions. Beginning as a safety in high school, he transitioned to outside linebacker at New Mexico before ultimately settling at defensive end at TCU and in the NFL. This diverse background has provided him with a unique understanding of different roles within a defensive scheme and the ability to read plays from multiple perspectives. His positional flexibility gives coaches options for how to utilize his skill set effectively.
Notable Achievements
Among Horton’s most significant accomplishments is his performance in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, where his four-sack performance helped secure TCU’s victory over Michigan in a dramatic high-scoring game. In his college career, he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference recognition as a senior and led TCU in tackles for loss during his breakout 2021 season. Beyond the field, his courage in facing and overcoming a Stage IV cancer diagnosis while maintaining his commitment to professional football represents an inspirational journey that exemplifies mental toughness and determination.
Dylan Horton Career Statistics
Through his professional career with the Houston Texans, Horton has accumulated the following verified statistics across regular season play.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
In NFL regular season play, Horton has recorded 55 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one pass deflection during his professional career.
College Highlights
At TCU, Horton earned honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference as a senior in 2022. He led the Horned Frogs with nine tackles for loss in 2021 and tied for the team lead with four sacks that season. His four-sack performance in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl against Michigan stands as one of the most dominant individual defensive performances in TCU football history.
Dylan Horton Family
Personal Life
Following his diagnosis with Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2023, Horton underwent treatment that led to remission in March 2024. He completed radiation therapy in May 2024. Throughout his health journey, he maintained his connection to football, eventually returning to the field with the Houston Texans. His experience battling cancer has been widely recognized as an example of perseverance in the face of significant adversity.
2025 Season Performance
Dylan Horton enters the 2025 season positioned to continue establishing himself within the Houston Texans defensive line rotation. Having returned from his health battle and completed a full season back with the team in 2024, he now looks to build upon that foundation and contribute more significantly to the Texans defense. The experience of overcoming cancer has given Horton a unique perspective on challenges that many professional athletes never face, and this mental resilience may prove valuable as he continues his career.
The Texans coaching staff has the flexibility to utilize Horton’s diverse background effectively, as his experience playing multiple positions provides tactical options within the defensive scheme. His development as a pass rusher remains a key area of focus as he works to increase his impact on opposing quarterbacks. The combination of his college production at TCU, including his dominant Fiesta Bowl performance, and his professional experience positions Horton as a player with untapped potential who could emerge as a significant contributor for the Texans defense in the coming seasons.