Storm Norton

Storm Norton's Biography

Storm Willis Norton, born on 16th May 1994, seems to have been created on purpose for gridiron greatness. The American professional football offensive tackle battledhis way to the Atlanta Falcons, carving an indelible place in the annals of the National Football League (NFL). The remarkable journey of his football career, highlighting resilience and unyielding determination in the face of uncertainties, reveals the depth of his strength. Through seasons of unsteady waters, Norton has kept his head above and his stamina on full throttle.

His journey towards athletic stardom began when he played college football at Toledo. After what could be described as an impressive football career in his college years, he was signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Notwithstanding the challenges inherent in starting an NFL career, Norton took this in stride and signed on with the Detroit Lions, marking a significant milestone in his journey to greatness.

However, his journey wasn’t without its trials. He faced his first hurdle on the 2nd of September 2017, when he was waived by the Lions. Bouncing back, Norton joined the Lions practice squad the very next day. Employing a resilient spirit, he made his way onto the active roster just a week later. But by September 11 of 2017, he was back on the practice squad after being waived yet again.

Norton faced another setback when he was released altogether on the 25th of September. He got back on the practice squad wagon a month later but found himself without a football team again a few days later. These stints of brief selection and subsequent waiving gave him a taste of the characteristic dynamism and short-lived associations of NFL.

Once again without a team in November, Norton was given another chance for ascension when he was signed to the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad later that month. Within a short span, he was released by the Cardinals and resumed his journey of struggle.

In December 2017, opportunity struck again in the form of the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. Though his stint ended in January 2018, he was handed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings by the end of that month. Althoughremoved from the squad again in September 2018, he immediately inked a new agreement with the Vikings’ practice squad. Elevating to the active roster in the October end, he found himself back with the practice squad after a brief period.

Beginning 2019 on a promising note, he signed a reserve/future contract on January 2. Yet, by the end of August, he was waived by the Vikings. This marked the end of Norton’s time with the Vikings but not his career.

In an unforeseen turn of events, Norton entered the XFL, chosen by the Los Angeles Wildcats as the first overall pick in the 2020 XFL Draft’s second phase. Despite the shortened season due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Norton gained recognition for his exceptional performance from Pro Football Focus and was named the highest rated offensive lineman. However, the league suspended operations in April 2020, causing termination of his contract.

Come April 14, 2020, Norton found a new home with the Los Angeles Chargers. Three years later, the New Orleans Saints embraced him for one year. Despite being released by the Saints in August 2023, he was immediately re-signed to the practice squad.

In another twist of fate, Norton was signed by the Atlanta Falcons at the end of September 2023, taking him from the Saints’ practice squad to the Falconsthe same year. Through the oscillations, highs and lows, Norton’s relentless fortitude and love for the game have kept him on the field, chasing his dreams despite the odds. His career is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the will to keep pushing forward.