Horton played college football at the University of North Carolina, where he was an all-ACC running back and 1984 ACC Player of the Year.
Horton managed to sign on with the Raiders in 1987, but played in just four games and was cut during training camp in 1988.
He then returned to North Carolina as an athletic counselor, but was called back to the Raiders in 1989 by owner Al Davis, who had him converted to the tight end position.
Although he saw limited playing time in 1989, this ultimately paid off as he caught 33 passes in 1990, and scored a 41-yard touchdown reception in the team's divisional playoff win in the postseason.
Horton had his best season in 1991, when he caught 53 passes for 650 yards and five touchdowns, which earned him his only career selection to the pro bowl.