Zander Horvath


Alexander "Zander" John Horvath is an American professional fullback/running back for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. He played college football at Purdue, and was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Early life

Zander went to Saint Bavo for elementary and middle school, where he played football and graduated from in 2013. Horvath then also played football at Marian High School in Mishawaka, Indiana. He recorded 3,373 yards and 50 touchdowns on the ground, earning all-state and USA Today Midwest Regional All-American honors.

College career

Horvath initially committed to Indiana to play linebacker as a preferred walk-on, but switched commitments when Purdue running backs coach Chris Barclay offered him a chance to play his natural position of running back.
Horvath did not play in 2017.
In 2018, Horvath appeared in 13 games, rushing nine times for 42 yards and a touchdown. Horvath also caught four passes for 38 yards.
In 2019, Horvath's role expanded. Horvath appeared in 11 games, starting four. He rushed 79 times for 377 yards and two touchdowns, and caught 17 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown.
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Horvath appeared in 6 games, starting five. He rushed 89 times for 442 yards and two touchdowns, and caught 30 passes for 304 yards.
In his senior year of 2021, Horvath rushed 91 times for 320 yards, and caught 17 passes for 108 yards.

Professional career

Pre-draft

Initially not projected to be a drafted player, Horvath intrigued scouts with his elite positional athleticism for a fullback, scoring a 9.83 out of 10 Raw Athletic Score.

Los Angeles Chargers (first stint)

Horvath was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. He became the first running back or fullback to catch a touchdown in his first two games since 1942. He was released by the Chargers on August 30, 2023.

Pittsburgh Steelers

On September 2, 2023, Horvath signed to the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was released on October 9.

Los Angeles Chargers (second stint)

Horvath was re-signed to the Chargers practice squad on November 22, 2023. He was released on December 1.

New Orleans Saints

On March 7, 2024, Horvath signed with the New Orleans Saints. On August 13, he was waived by the Saints.

Miami Dolphins

On August 19, 2024, Horvath signed with the Miami Dolphins. He was waived on August 27.

BC Lions

On January 24, 2025, Horvath signed as a running back with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. On July 13, Horvath was placed on the Lions' 1-game injured list after suffering an injury during the previous week's game against the Montreal Alouettes. On August 12, Horvath was reassigned to the Lions' practice roster. On September 18, 2025, Horvath was recalled to the active roster after an injury to fellow running back James Butler.