Luther College alumnus tells his inspiring story in new documentary

"7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story" is available for pre-order now 

DECORAH, Iowa - The new documentary, "7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story," featuring Luther alumnus Chris Norton '15 and his wife Emily is available now for pre-order on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. The film will be officially released on Feb. 23, 2021. Produced by Kate Norris, the documentary features Chris and Emily Norton as themselves.

"Together, we produced this film to inspire the world that you can overcome. We made this film to serve hope and we can't wait for you to experience this great comeback story," said Norris. 

            As a first-year student at Luther in 2010, Chris Norton was injured during a football game and paralyzed from the neck down. He was given a 3% chance of ever moving below the neck again. After years of intense physical therapy and training, in a stunning show of determination and perseverance, Chris walked across the stage at his graduation with the help of his then fiancee Emily. The video of the feat touched the world and went viral with more than 300 million views. Soon after, Chris and Emily set an ambitious new goal to walk seven yards side-by-side down their wedding aisle, which they did in 2018.            

"7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story" features powerful interviews, emotional reenactments and real footage. 

            "I'm beyond grateful and excited to share this with everyone. It will inspire you to overcome, to never give up and to have faith," said Norton. 

            When asked how his time at Luther shaped him as a person, Chris replied "It was at Luther College that I discovered how compassionate people are and the power of community."

Since graduating, Chris has dedicated his life to empowering others to overcome their obstacles. After getting married, Chris and Emily moved to Florida and have fostered 17 children. In 2019, Chris and Emily co-authored the book "The Seven Longest Yards," detailing their love story. Chris started the Chris Norton Foundation, a non-profit which helps people with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities access necessary therapy equipment and reach their recovery goal and in the summer of 2019, Chris started a Wheelchair Camp in southern Minnesota through the foundation. He aims to empower kids in wheelchairs to focus on their strengths and abilities through various sports and recreational activities. As a public speaker, Chris was named the "2018 Hottest Event Keynote Speaker" by ITA Group. 

Learn more about the Chris Norton Foundation at chrisnorton.org.

Luther College is home to more than 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.