Texans' Horton returns against Bills less than a year after being diagnosed with late-stage cancer

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston’s Dylan Horton took a few seconds to soak everything in after running out of the tunnel Sunday before his first game since recovering from late-stage cancer.

“I was kind of taking in the moment, understanding that there’s been a long journey to get here, but it’s also just the start of where I want to be,” he said.

The defensive end, who returned to practice Wednesday, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes, on Dec. 1. He announced that he was in remission in March.

Horton made a modest contribution to Houston’s 23-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills, finishing with just one tackle. But simply getting back on the field was a major victory for the 24-year-old after the fight he endured in the past year.

“It’s just a blessing to be out there on the field,” he said. “Especially with the support of my family, friends and the Texans. Just running on the field for that first play was a great feeling.”

Horton had a big group of supporters at the game Sunday, including his parents and girlfriend. Coach DeMeco Ryans said earlier this week that Horton’s mental toughness and attitude was an inspiration while he went through his treatments.

Sunday, Horton said he believes that it was that quality which helped him get to this point.

“I feel like the positive attitude is everything,” he said. “Just kind of having that positivity, having it in yourself and spreading it makes it even better.”

Horton felt good after playing his first game since Nov. 19 and said it was so much fun to be back out on the field with his teammates once again.

When asked what the best part of his big day was, Horton was quick with an answer.

“Getting the win,” he said before flashing a huge smile.

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Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press