Horton transferred to the University of Iowa as a junior after previously attending Centerville Junior College, where he also played basketball.[1][2] After playing college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Horton was drafted by the Bears in the 9th round of the 1972 NFL draft with the 219th overall pick.[3][4][5] He signed with the Bears in April.[6] During the 1972 preseason with the Bears, Horton struggled with his confidence, especially after having played for a losing team in Iowa.[7] Horton stated that "It's real tough playing for a losing team like Iowa. You start doubting your own abilities soon enough."[7] After two strong preseason games he had a poor game against the New England Patriots.[7] He said of that game "I played one half or so, and I just plain forgot what the coaches told me and I went back to my old, bad habits.[7] Horton was assigned to the Bears' taxi squad to begin the 1972 season.[8] Horton was activated from the taxi squad in October when the Bears starting defensive end Willie Holman was injured and played in 10 games the rest of the season.[4][9][10] Horton ended the season with 2 quarterback sacks and was credited with a kickoff return for 3 yards in the Bears' final game against the Oakland Raiders.[4][11]
In 1973, Horton was deactivated before the season began and was waived in October.[12][13] In 1974 he signed with the Washington Redskins but was waived during the preseason.[14][15] He signed with the Alouettes in October and played 2 games for them before being released.[16][17][18][19]