Chris Norton

Inspiring others to overcome challenges and to live with purpose.

Expert on

  • Adversity
  • Attitude
  • Inspirational
  • Sports / Athletics
  • Motivation
  • Leadership

Fee Range

$15,000–$20,000

Travels from

FL, US

Biography

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 released their second book The Seven Longest Yards; and a feature documentary titled 7 Yards is out on Netflix.

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.

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.

 

Speaker Videos

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 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.

 

Testimonials:
“After being in the real estate industry for almost 15 years, attending in excess of 50 conferences, and seeing over 500 speakers internationally, I would be happy to say that Chris was in my top 5 of all time. The way he told his story, combined with his ability to play it out in videos really showed the struggle he had to fight. He left a lasting impression, not only with me personally but with our entire audience. We have had over 190 surveys back which mention Chris as the number 1 speaker out of the 10 which spoke on the day.”

Ben Brady, Regional Director- Harcourts

“I simply cannot say enough about Chris’s presentation to all of our staff. The people at NCAA National Office work every day to try to make the experiences for students and student athletes better in every way they can and to hear Chris’s story of inspiration, perseverance, and faith and how he was able to rise above extraordinary odds to be as successful as he is today is quite amazing. He left my staff feeling so good about what they do and why they do it. His presentation was exactly what I was hoping it would be.”
Mark Emmert – President, NCAA

“I just wanted to thank you or your team for setting up the motivational speaking by Chris Norton. Although reminders of the importance to work safely are very important and necessary, Chris’s presentation reminded us the importance of living. I was inspired by his talk not just to be safe but more importantly to live by changing my attitude and effort and by creating purpose. It brought a new level of perspective on how we should work and live. Thanks again to whoever made this happen.”
Chad Spore, John Deere

Ben Brady
Harcourts