Chris Norton

Inspiring others to overcome challenges and to reach full potential.

Chris Norton is a well-respected motivational speaker and author of The Power of Faith when Tragedy Strikes: A Father-Son Memoir and The Seven Longest Yards: Our Love Story of Pushing the Limits while Leaning on Each Other. He also has a new documentary out called 7 Yards, available to stream on Prime Video and AppleTV! Chris was named to the ITA Group’s Hottest Keynote Speakers List, alongside Michael Strahan, Magic Johnson and Mark Cuban. Chris’ message focuses on the fact that we all face challenges, but our circumstances don’t define us – we do.

Chris Norton Keynote Speaker Fee Fee range is for U.S. events, depending on location and organization type
$20,001 - $30,000

Chris Norton Keynote Speaker Fee Fee range is for U.S. events, depending on location and organization type
$20,001 - $30,000

Why Chris Norton?

I’m Chris Norton, and I got knocked down. Hard. I was a college football player. I saw the opening for a tackle, but I mistimed my jump by a split second. Instead of being in front of the ball, I collided with the ball carrier’s legs. And in an instant, I lost all feeling and movement from my neck down. I was told I would never be able to move again. I could have let it define me. But our lives aren’t shaped by circumstance. They’re shaped by us. Perseverance isn’t about the physical act of standing: it’s about attitude, and the ability to shape yourself in the face of adversity.

Keynote Speaker Topics

Harvard Business Speakers
Inspirational Keynote Speakers
Leadership Keynote Speakers
Motivational Speakers
Overcoming Adversity Keynote Speakers

Suggested Keynote Speaker Programs

Stronger Through Change: Transforming Disruption into Opportunity

In today’s fast-paced, unpredictable world, leaders and teams often feel overwhelmed by constant change. What if the changes you fear could become your greatest source of strength and innovation? Chris Norton’s journey embodies this transformative power. In ...

In today’s fast-paced, unpredictable world, leaders and teams often feel overwhelmed by constant change. What if the changes you fear could become your greatest source of strength and innovation?

Chris Norton’s journey embodies this transformative power. In 2010, a severe spinal cord injury left Chris with a 3% chance of ever moving below the neck. Defying odds, he walked at his college graduation and wedding, inspiring over 400 million people worldwide.

In this powerful keynote, Chris challenges the notion that change is merely to be endured. Drawing from his remarkable path, he reveals how change can be our greatest teacher and opportunity for growth. Chris shares compelling stories and practical strategies that empower audiences to reframe challenges, foster radical responsibility, and build resilient teams unafraid to ask for help.

His story, featured on major networks and in the award-winning documentary ‘7 Yards’, showcases the impact of embracing change. With his wife Emily, Chris has fostered over 23 children and adopted 5, embodying adaptability and positive change.

Audiences will learn to grow Stronger Through Change by transforming perceived threats into competitive advantages. Join Chris to discover how life’s biggest disruptions can become your greatest opportunities, leaving inspired and equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

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About Keynote Speaker Chris Norton

Chris suffered a spinal cord injury while playing football at Luther College (Iowa). The doctors gave Chris a 3% chance of moving anything below his neck again. Four years later, he defied the odds and walked across stage at his college graduation with his fiancé, Emily Summers. The video went viral twice, garnered 300 million+ views, and caught the eye of the country’s top media outlets like Good Morning, America, TodayShow.com, NBC Nightly News, CBS, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, to name a few.

Three years later, Chris attempted another incredible feat – this time, perhaps the most important walk of his life – down the aisle with his wife, Emily. As with his Graduation Walk, Chris prepared relentlessly, spending four hours per day in the gym. Chris and Emily joyfully conquered the challenge – and walked seven yards down the aisle after their wedding ceremony. Seven yards symbolized the seven-year anniversary of his injury. Their beautiful story once again captured the heart of the world, with coverage ranging from nearly all of the top-tier U.S. media outlets to media in Germany, Italy and London, to name a few.

Chris is a well-respected motivational speaker and speaks at events all across the country. He was recently named to the ITA Group’s 2018 Hottest Keynote Speakers List, alongside Michael Strahan, Magic Johnson and Mark Cuban. Chris’ message focuses on the fact that we all face challenges, but our circumstances don’t define us – we do. With inspiring anecdotes and positive action steps, Chris connects with his audience in a genuine, entertaining and impactful way. His message resonates with all of us: adversity is universal, but we all have the Power to Stand. Additionally, Chris has written a book; he and Emily are released their second book The Seven Longest Yards; and a feature documentary titled 7 Yards is coming out soon.

Chris created the Chris Norton Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities by providing opportunities that would not otherwise exist. This is achieved through supporting the purchase of rehabilitation equipment for organizations/facilities and providing services and started his own wheelchair camp. To date, the Chris Norton Foundation has raised just under $1 million dollars.

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Chris and Emily have adopted five beautiful girls and have fostered 18 children. They are both deeply committed to providing a safe, loving home for children in need. They are truly a remarkable couple, who positively impact those around them.