Houston’s Dylan Horton returned to the field on Sunday after battling late-stage cancer, taking a moment to reflect on his journey before the game. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December, Horton announced his remission in March. The 24-year-old defensive end expressed gratitude for being back on the field, stating that it was just the beginning of where he aims to be in the future.
Making a modest contribution to Houston’s victory against the Buffalo Bills, Horton recorded one tackle in his first game back. The significance of returning to play was not lost on him, considering the challenges he overcame in the past year. Surrounded by his family, friends, and the Texans’ support at the game, Horton emphasized the joy of stepping onto the field for that first play.
Throughout his battle with cancer, Horton’s mental toughness and positive attitude served as a source of inspiration for his teammates and coaches. He credited his upbeat outlook as a crucial factor in reaching this point, underscoring the importance of spreading positivity. Following his return to play after nearly a year, Horton expressed satisfaction in rejoining his teammates on the field and feeling good after the game.
For Horton, amidst the excitement of playing again, the highlight of the day was securing the win. His resilience and determination were evident as he enthusiastically embraced being back in the game. As he continues his journey post-cancer, Horton’s story serves as a testament to the power of positivity and perseverance.