Kendrick Norton understands that his dream of playing professional football is over, but at this point, it doesn't even matter. He is just happy to be alive.
The 22-year-old, who was getting set to begin his second season as a defensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins, was involved in a serious car accident on July 4, resulting in the amputation of his left arm.
But he is maintaining a positive attitude in spite of the circumstances:
“I am okay,” Norton told Peter D'Oench of CBS4 in Miami. “I am as comfortable as I can be with the situation. I am doing fine and the best I can.”
Norton was driving along State Road 836 in the early hours of Independence Day before his Ford F-250 truck sideswiped a Maserati, hit a concrete barrier and then flipped over, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
“I am alive,” Norton said. “To be here, I am alive. One thing keeps me going and that is that I am still able to be here. Seeing my family is so important. It is very good that I have this support system. It keeps me strong and it keeps me tall.”
The Jacksonville, Fl. native, who played his collegiate football at the University of Miami, was originally selected by the Dolphins in the seventh round (242nd pick overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
“But I realize that I will not be able to play for anyone,” added Norton. “We are working past that, you know. That reality is sinking in. I am alive and I am grateful. Now I want to organize a blood drive.”
Norton added that he is thankful for the support he has received from everyone.
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