Norton lifts spirits with a visit to training camp
DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins welcomed a surprise visitor to their training-camp practice Monday, uplifting the spirits of many players and coaches.
Dolphins defensive tackle Kendrick Norton, whose career ended after his left arm was amputated following a two-car accident on July 4, visited the practice facility and was on the field with the team during much of Monday’s session.
Norton, wearing an aqua Dolphins shirt, aqua shorts and orange sneakers, spent most of the practice catching up with old teammates during breaks in the action, while watching from the sidelines.
“It was actually a surprise,” fellow defensive tackle Akeem Spence after practice. “We were down [the field] in our individual [drills], and we saw him in his big orange shows walking up. It was just exciting to see him out here.
“I know I haven’t seen him since the D-line went down to the hospital and everything. … Coach [Brian Flores] brought everybody up, and spoke about how not to take this game for granted. Just having him out here, and just [talking] with each other, it’s fun to see one of your brothers out here just living his life.”
Since the accident, Norton underwent at least six surgeries while hospitalized, with hopes of eventually getting a prosthetic arm.
He was released from the hospital on July 18, and has begun the transition to the next phase of his life.
Norton was determined to be at fault for the two-car accident, which occurred at around 1:18 a.m. on July 4 on the Dolphin Expressway (State Road 836) westbound ramp, leading to the Palmetto Expressway (State Road 826).
The Florida Highway Patrol issued Norton a citation for an improper lane change of his 2017 Ford F250, which crashed into the right side of a 2015 Maserati before it slammed into a concrete barrier and overturned onto its roof.
FHP determined no alcohol or drugs were involved, but did note Norton was not wearing a seat belt.
Before training camp in late July, the Dolphins ensured they would pay Norton his $495,000 salary for the 2019 season, which would have been paid if he made the team’s 53-man regular-season roster before the season.
Miami placed Norton on the reserve/non-football injury list, which ensures he will remain with the team and under the NFL’s health insurance plan, while he rehabilitates his injuries and receives occupational therapy.
Dolphins running back Mark Walton, who was Norton’s teammate at the University of Miami, also was lifted by Norton’s presence on Monday.
“When I saw Kendrick, I was drained a little bit [during practice],” Walton said. “It gave me energy. We didn’t even know he was coming. It was a welcomed surprised. I was glad to see him.”
Even though Norton’s football career as a player is over, his tribulations have provided Dolphins players with perspective and gratitude as they continue to prepare for the 2019 season.
“It shows his character, and how much you have to be thankful for life each and every day,” Spence said of Norton. “Hey, a couple months ago, that guy was sitting in one of our chairs. It’s unfortunate what happened, but just to have him out here was a blessing.
“It fills my spirit just to see him smiling.”