7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story is a documentary film about the inspiring journey of a young man, Chris Norton, who overcame a devastating spinal cord injury to walk down the aisle with his bride on their wedding day. On October 16, 2010, during a football game for Luther College, Chris Norton was severely injured while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Doctors told him that he had a 3% chance of ever regaining movement below his neck. However, Chris refused to give up and spent years in physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain movement. His story became viral when he walked across the stage to receive his college diploma with the help of his then-girlfriend, Emily, who supported him every step of the way.
The film features interviews with Chris Norton, his family, and friends, as well as his therapists and doctors. It also shows footage of his rehabilitation, his proposals to Emily, and their wedding day, where he walked seven yards to her with the help of his therapist, who stood behind him.
Directed by Jonathon Link, 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story premiered on April 27, 2021, on Netflix, and has received positive reviews for its powerful message of resilience, determination, and love. The film aims to inspire and motivate anyone facing a difficult situation to never give up and always believe in themselves.