Ray Horton is a former American football player who played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on April 12, 1960, in Tacoma, Washington, and attended the University of Washington, where he played college football for the Huskies.
Horton was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft and played for the team for five seasons. He was a key member of the Bengals' defense during their Super Bowl run in 1988, where they lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Horton then played for the Dallas Cowboys for two seasons before joining the Cleveland Browns in 1992, where he played his final season before retiring.
During his career, Horton was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions in the secondary. He played both cornerback and safety positions and was a valuable asset to his teams' defenses. He was also known for his physicality and toughness on the field.
After retiring from playing, Horton began his coaching career as a defensive backs coach for the Washington Huskies in 1994. He then moved on to coach for several NFL teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans. He also served as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns.
Horton's coaching career has been marked by his innovative defensive schemes and his ability to develop young players. He has been credited with helping to develop several successful NFL players, including Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Darius Slay.
In addition to his coaching career, Horton has also been involved in several charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Club of America. He has also been an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken publicly about his own struggles with depression.
Overall, Ray Horton's football career has been marked by his versatility, toughness, and dedication to the game. He has had a successful career both as a player and a coach and has made significant contributions to the NFL.
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