[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.
[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.
[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.