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

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.

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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.