Texans rookie defensive end Dylan Horton confirmed this week that he has Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma but that it’s now in remission.
Horton, a fourth-round draft pick out of TCU, announced during Week 12 (Nov. 22) that he was stepping away from the team to deal with a “personal health matter.” He was then diagnosed on Dec. 1.
“Through God’s grace, I’m blessed to say that I’m currently in remission!” Horton wrote in a release sent out by the Texans. “I am grateful for the love from my family and friends, and support from the Texans organization and my doctors.”
Horton has worked diligently to recover and now looks forward to resuming his football career this upcoming season. Last season, Horton played in 10 games with the Texans where he recorded 13 tackles, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits and a fumble recovery before his season ended.
“My next objective is to complete my treatments, then get back to playing the game that I love,” he said. “Thank you for your prayers and support as I continue this journey.”
When Horton stepped away in November, there was speculation of what could be the issue. But neither Horton nor the team would comment further at that time.
Horton did release a statement, but gave no timeline of his return.
“I’m currently dealing with a personal health matter that will keep me away from the team for an indefinite period of time,” he said in November. “I want to thank my family, my teammates and the entire Houston Texans organization for the support and care they have already provided me. I will provide updates from time to time, but my main focus right now is on my health and recovery. Thank you, and God bless.”
