Chris Norton

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 Netflix, Prime Video, and AppleTV!

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 (Good Morning, America, TodayShow.com, NBC Nightly News, CBS, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, etc.).

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 numerous events 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 two books; The Seven Longest Yards, and The Power of Faith When Tragedy Strikes; and a documentary 7 Yards was made about them.

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 scholarships for camp programs. To date, the Chris Norton Foundation has raised just under $1 million dollars.

Chris and Emily have five adopted daughters and continue to foster other kids. They are both deeply committed to providing a safe, loving home for children in need.

The Power To Stand

We all get knocked down. I’m here to help you get back up. Our circumstances don’t define us – we do. With inspiring words and positive action steps for changing your attitude and reality, my speech is universal. I promise it will help with whatever challenge you are facing. Are you ready to change your life? FIND YOUR POWER TO STAND. You’ll discover powerful new ideas and strategies that will inspire you and keep you positive, focused and on track to achieve your most important goals. In this dynamic and interactive presentation you will: Gain confidence and clarity as you uncover the hidden signs of progress, learn how to inspire and powerfully motivate others, and identify your top priorities so you invest your attention and energy in the activities that really count. You’ll return to your work and life feeling empowered, refreshed and optimistic, with a step by step plan to align your work and life with your most important goals and highest aspirations.