Dylan Horton’s return to football was met with a roar of praise from the Houston Texans locker room, coaching staff and fan base.
His battle to take snaps once more did not go unnoticed in 2024.
Horton, a survivor of Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma who won his battle with cancer to play again this season, was named the AFC South champions’ annual Ed Courage award winner.
The award, voted on in balloting by his teammates, is one of the most prestigious honors in the NFL as it signifies individuals from the 32 teams that have overcome adversity on or off the field.
Courageous in every way. @dhorton_98 is our Ed Block Courage Award winner
pic.twitter.com/kGn4HfEe5Q
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 1, 2025
Horton was diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer that sidelined him for most of his rookie season. The second-year defensive end worked his way back to full strength, eventually taking for the first time in October 2024 since completing treatment and becoming cancer-free.
“Just kind of being around people, around my support system and family, coming up to the facility and having that positivity,” Horton said. “Faith, No. 1, my Lord and God to help me get through whatever I needed. I can’t do anything without God.”
In two years, Horton has appeared in 21 games, totaling 21 tackles, four quarterback hits, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.
The Texans close out the 2024 regular season on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.