About Chris:
Chris Norton’s journey from a college football player with a 3% chance of moving below the neck after a severe spinal cord injury to walking down the aisle at his wedding is a testament to human resilience. His story, featured in the award-winning documentary ‘7 Yards’ which trended on Netflix, has inspired over 400 million people worldwide.
Now an inspirational keynote speaker, Chris helps organizations like Microsoft, John Deere, Mayo Clinic, and Fox Sports grow stronger through change. A bestselling author of two books, he has expanded his impact by fostering 23 children with his wife Emily, adopting five, and founding a free wheelchair camp. Through his extraordinary experiences and speaking engagements, Chris demonstrates that change, even when it comes uninvited, can become our greatest ally in uncovering our true potential.
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STRONGER THROUGH CHANGE
Change is inevitable. Challenges are certain. Growth is a choice. In today’s unpredictable world, 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.
Key Takeaways:
• Foster a Culture of Ownership: Embrace “Radical Responsibility” at every level
• Harness the Power of Positive Leadership: Learn how small acts of encouragement can transform team dynamics
• Build Resilient Teams: Discover the strength in vulnerability by creating an environment where asking for help drives innovation
• Align with Purpose: Boost motivation by connecting work to a greater purpose
• Redefine Success: Shift focus to creating value and enriching lives, leading to sustainable growth.
POWER TO STAND
What gives you the power to stand when life knocks you down? How do you find the strength to rise when everything seems stacked against you? In 2010, Chris Norton’s life changed forever when a college football injury left him with a 3% chance of ever moving below the neck. Faced with this devastating prognosis, Chris made a remarkable decision – to stand up to adversity, both literally and figuratively.
His journey to walk across his college graduation stage and down his wedding aisle has inspired over 400 million people worldwide. In this compelling keynote, Chris reveals the mindset and methods that enabled him to stand against overwhelming odds. Through powerful storytelling and practical insights, he demonstrates how anyone can find their inner power to stand – whether facing personal challenges, professional setbacks, or organizational change. Drawing from his experience documented in the award-winning film ‘7 Yards’, Chris shares proven strategies for developing unshakeable determination, building supportive networks, and maintaining focus on long-term goals despite short-term setbacks. His message resonates beyond physical challenges, teaching audiences how to stand firm in their convictions, stand up for their potential, and stand together as resilient teams.
Awards & Publications
CBS Courage in Sports Award, Adopt America Award, The Seven Longest Yards, The Power of Faith When Tragedy Strikes
More About Chris
Imagine being told you had a 3% chance of ever moving below your neck. Now picture yourself not only defying those odds, but walking down the aisle at your wedding. This is the extraordinary journey of Chris Norton, a former college football player whose life took a dramatic turn after a severe spinal cord injury in 2010.
But Chris didn’t just overcome his own challenges – he turned his struggle into a beacon of hope for millions. His awe-inspiring story of resilience has touched over 400 million hearts worldwide, gracing major networks and captivating audiences through the award-winning documentary ‘7 Yards’. This powerful film has not only made Netflix’s popular list but has also trended on the platform, bringing Chris’s message of perseverance to an even wider audience.
As a keynote speaker, Chris helps organizations like Microsoft, John Deere, Mayo Clinic, and Fox Sports turn challenges into competitive advantages through his signature talk, “Stronger Through Change.” His unique ability to blend humor with inspiration while delivering profound wisdom has made him one of the most sought-after speakers in his field. Executives praise his practical strategies for reframing challenges, fostering radical responsibility, and building resilient teams unafraid to ask for help.
Together with his wife Emily, Chris has opened his heart and home to over 23 foster children, five of whom they’ve adopted. He also founded a free wheelchair camp, proving that his own victory was just the beginning of his mission to uplift others. His journey and insights are captured in his book “The Seven Longest Yards,” co-authored with Emily.
Through his keynotes, Chris equips audiences with tangible tools to grow stronger through change, showing that life’s biggest disruptions can become catalysts for unprecedented growth. His message resonates across industries because he provides actionable strategies that transform challenges into competitive advantages. His story demonstrates that our greatest power lies not in our muscles, but in our unbreakable spirit.
Reviews
Chris Norton did a fabulous job this morning. He wove into the presentation application to Youth Villages’ employees. The presentation was made to a packed convention center ballroom in rounds and he had their attention the entire time. Afterwards he stayed and interacted with staff for a considerable amount of time. – Youth Villages
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
There was not a dry eye in the audience — it was EXTREMELY moving and such a great talk. Everyone absolutely loved the books as well. – McKenna Heisler
Chris was truly the most impactful speaker I have ever heard, blending humor with inspiration, wisdom with an amazing life perspective, all the while connecting with our associates in a way that has impacted so many. – Rob L.
Chris’s overarching message of resilience, hope, dedication, empathy and honesty speaks volumes to employees at work and those just taking it one day at a time. – Kim Beauvais
He moved the entire audience to tears, laughter, and had us on the edge of our seat the whole time. His message gave me practical ways to not only be a better leader but to lead a better life. – Moon Javaid
When a speaker keeps the entire room engaged—laughing, tearing up, and fully present—you know you’ve found the right one. Chris Norton was the perfect choice. Our only problem now? How do we top this for next year? – Bart Woods
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
There was not a dry eye in the audience – it was EXTREMELY moving and such a great talk. Everyone absolutely loved the books as well. – McKenna Heisler
If you are looking for a speaker to deliver a message of courage and determination, of passion and commitment, I highly recommend Chris Norton. – Craig & Lea Culver
His motto ‘your life is as rich as the lives you enrich’ serves as a reminder that we, as producers, have to work together in order to succeed as an industry. His zeal for life is very contagious and great inspiration as we kicked off Pork Forum. – Jill Resler
