I’m making a diving tackle for my high school football team, Bondurant-Farrar, in 2009 in the first round of high school playoffs. I’m in blue.
My family attended and supported every activity I was in. Here I am with my dad, Terry Norton, and my mom, Deb Norton, on senior night of fall 2009.
My high school graduation with longtime friend Logan Hamm, class of 2010, Bondurant-Farrar High School.
After a home football game at Luther College with teammates Richie Vickers (#17) and Shawn Burrows (#19), fall 2010. Richie was also my college roommate.
Nicole Thomas Photography, Bondurant, Iowa
Here I am on a gurney, being taken off the helicopter by EMTs during a film reenactment of October 16, 2010, for my documentary film 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story.
Nicole Thomas Photography, Bondurant, Iowa
I am being transported through the hospital to get prepped for surgery, during a film reenactment of October 16, 2010, for my documentary film 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story.
X-ray taken of my neck fracture at Winneshiek Medical Center before being flown to Mayo Clinic, October 16, 2010.
Standing on the Lokomat machine at Mayo Clinic, fully weight bearing and balancing on my legs, during a physical therapy session, fall 2011.
Our family celebrated Christmas in the hospital of Mayo Clinic. From left: Aunt Ginger Palmer; Uncle Gary Palmer; my sister Alex McManus (formerly Norton); me; my sister Katie Norton; Grandma Virginia; my dad, Terry Norton; and my mom, Deb Norton.
My college friends and teammates brought ugly Christmas sweaters for a Christmas card, winter 2010. They visited me a lot when I was in the hospital and were great company. From left: Zac Pearson, Shawn Burrows, me, Richie Vickers, Eric Essendrup, Tanner Douglas.
My sisters, Alex and Katie, in my hospital room at Mayo Clinic, fall 2010. They were by my side constantly while I was in the hospital. Every weekend they were there, driving six hours round trip.
My old dorm room and my first visit there since my injury. We had our football banquet that night, February 2011. I am with my college buddies plus our floor’s RA. From left: Tim (RA), Eric Essendrup, Rich Vickers, Shawn Burrows, Tanner Douglas, Spencer Bruess.
Our very first photo together, taken the first night Emily and I met at Iowa State University, August 2013.
Tyler Rinken
Tyler Rinken
I surprised Emily with a proposal the day before my graduation, May 2015. Emily read “Will you marry me?” when we came into the room of the restaurant. Her expression in the picture says it all.
Tyler Rinken
After the proposal my family and friends celebrated with us. My college friends came and greeted us. From left: Richie Vickers, Alex Peterson (a.k.a. A.P.), me, Rich Holton, Emily, Zac Pearson, Tanner Douglas.
Emily graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014, and we celebrated with her family and with Whittley.
Emily and I at Barwis Methods, practicing walking in the dress shoes I used for my college graduation, May 2015.
During my final semester of college, I relocated to Plymouth, Michigan, to train for my graduation walk at Barwis Methods, February 2015.
Mike Barwis stretching me out before walking during my evaluation. Emily and I were scouting out their training facility before moving, August 2014.
Aaron Lurth Photography
Waving to the crowd after making my graduation walk and receiving my diploma, May 2015.
Tyler Rinken
Sharing my message of hope, grit, and faith to audiences across the globe.
Tyler Rinken
Before I graduated from college, I started sharing my story at schools to inspire students to overcome their challenges, which gave my pain a purpose.
The Summers family has been extremely supportive of us. We came back for the high school graduation of Emily’s younger brother, May 2017. From left: Michael (older brother), Tim (Dad), David (younger brother), Kelly (Mom), me, Emily, Marisa (younger sister).
My family during the Chris Norton Foundation’s Fundraiser dinner, February 2017. From left: Emily, Deb (Mom), Terry (Dad), Bill (brother-in-law), Alex (older sister), Katie (younger sister).
We celebrated Emily’s twenty-fourth birthday in our apartment in Florida with Whittley, whom we were fostering at the time, December 2016.
Emily and I with Robin Roberts on the set of Good Morning America after being interviewed about our wedding walk, April 2018.
Emily and I in Times Square. We were there for the filming of Say Yes to the Dress, October 2017.
Sarah Kate, Photographer
Emily and I saying our vows, April 21, 2018.
Sarah Kate, Photographer
Emily and I share a moment during communion at our wedding, April 21, 2018.
Sarah Kate, Photographer
Emily and I share our first kiss as a married couple, April 21, 2018.
Emily with Whittley before Whittley’s freshman year homecoming, fall 2012.
Emily and I with the five children we were fostering, July 2018.
Michale Crumly of Mississippi Pearl Photography
Emily and I and our five girls outside the courthouse before we legally adopted Whittley, December 11, 2018.