7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story
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7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story is an inspiring documentary about Chris Norton and his recovery from a devastating injury. Known as an aggressive tackler, Chris was making a name for himself as one of the few 1st-years to play senior-level college ball for Luther College. But during one game, 18-year-old Chris mistimed a tackle and suffered a spinal cord injury that immediately paralyzed him. Helicoptered out, Chris was told he'd never walk again. However, through hard work, determination, hope, and help from wonderful doctors, specialists, physical therapists, friends, and family, Chris was able to make incredible strides in his recovery. After he and his wife, Emily, meet they both dedicated their lives to caring for kids, becoming foster and adoptive parents. There's no violence, sexual content, strong language, smoking, or any drug or alcohol use.
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What's the Story?
In 7 YARDS: THE CHRIS NORTON STORY, 18-year-old Chris Norton is an exciting young Division III football player for Luther College in Iowa. During one game, however, Chris goes to make a tackle, but misjudges his timing, resulting in a horrible accident that leaves him paralyzed. Doctors tell him he will never walk again. What follows is a recreation and retelling of Chris's incredible recovery and eventual meeting of his wife, with whom he shares an inspiring drive to help and care for others. The couple become foster and adoptive parents. They also started The Chris Norton Foundation and a wheelchair camp for kids.
Is It Any Good?
Chris Norton's story is inspiring, heartwarming, and uplifting. 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story recounts Chris' journey from young college football star to tragedy to inspirational story. Rather than have talking heads retell Chris' story or use actors for reenactments, this film stars Chris himself, along with his parents, wife, friends, teammates, medical staff, physical therapists, and specialists. This technique is fascinating, as the movie, for instance, begins with a full recreation of the football game and moment during which Chris suffered a horrific spinal cord injury that left him immediately paralyzed. Including a full crowd of fans, his parents in the stands, football players, and medical staff, this scene establishes early that there will be more reenactments than actual or archival footage. There are plenty of glimpses of what years of physical therapy and hard work look like, including Chris reaching certain milestones. While the film stalls a bit in its last act, it still ultimately delivers with its positivity, hope, and satisfying emotional outcomes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about inspiring stories in film. Where do you think 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story ranks among other inspiring stories of defying odds and overcoming great challenges?
What about Chris Norton's attitude and perspective do you find the most compelling? Why?
Why do you think Chris and Emily dedicated their lives to fostering kids?
How does Chris show the character strength of perseverance?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 23, 2021
- Cast: Chris Norton, Emily Norton, Terry Norton, Deb Norton
- Director: Jonathon Link
- Studio: Fotolanthropy
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 2, 2022
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