source: 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story

They captured the spirit of Division 3 football in small town America perfectly in the opening scene. These guys are not prepping for a pro career and millions of dollars. This is it. Perhaps the greatest time of their life. To be young, vital, and a part of a team. Juxtapose that with the ending of at least that aspect of life for one young man, almost as soon as it began. That contrast really shook me. I'm not sure if some scenes are re-enacted, or if someone had a camera on from game day to hospital, long before realizing that a documentary would be made. Either way, having so much film beyond talking heads was crucial. I don't recall hearing what his parents do for a living, what that town is about or much about his sisters. Should I assume that he went to a college in his own home town or just near? Were they Lutherans? What was his major? Did he have a high school girlfriend prior? I know that he went online, but how did he happen to meet a girl whose life mission is to help people? Was it a site for people in his situation? Or did he mention his condition and she was drawn? People may find that interesting. How do young people just decide to get married and move? Don't they need a source of income? This may not be relevant to the core theme, but it would be interesting for people who are trying to grasp how to get things like this done. I would assume that both Chris and the film makers acknowledge that even with faith and determination, not everyone can regain movement in these situations. I think they are saying that you can always make the best of your situation. Don't expect any grim reality or moments of doubt. I would assume that there must have been all of this in real life. There is some mention of arguments, depression, etc., but we don't see it. I guess they wanted to keep that private, or market this as an inspirational mildly Christian film. Personally I would have gotten even more out of it, if I had seen the dark times too, thereby truly comprehending what he had to overcome.

There are NO sports.....This is the most inspiring true story I have ever seen. I am not a big movie watcher......but I couldn't leave this one.

This movie is a must watch by everyone no matter their life situation, life is amazing , unfair, happy, sad, but it has a purpose, some purpose we don't understand at first but it takes meaning later.Thank you for inspiring me through your courage to surpass a tough situation.

Emily and Chris have the most beautiful, inspiring, and uplifting story. I can't get enough of this documentary. I couldn't speak more highly of it. Sincerly, very well done. You will be left laughing, in tears, and with a warm heart. This is something you don't want to miss, watch it now! You will NOT regret it.

7 Yards is an amazing, beautiful and inspirational story of a young man, Chris Norton, and his journey after experiencing a life changing injury. While Chris and his family experienced a traumatic event, they never allowed it to become a tragedy due to their belief in faith, family and friends. This movie gives hope and is the essence of success in life!

Chris and Emily's story is such an inspiration! Chris's motivation and determination to reach his goals of walking at graduation and their wedding is incredible. Their love for each other and their children is beautiful to watch! Their faith in Christ is evident throughout the whole film.

Man, I'm bawling my eyes out currently writing this but this movie is so inspirational. To see how his life turns out 7+ years after his injury, and how he changes the lives of 6-20+ people around him, and for the better. It really makes you believe in faith and a higher power, and knowing that being a good and kind person who fights and lives the right way pays off in the end. Absolute must watch for the whole family, gave me so much hope to keep pursuing my dreams and keep pushing forward.

This hit close to home for me. When I was in high school I took a hit to my back that caused a herniated disc and pinched my spinal chord. I lose feeling in both legs for an hour and collapsed a few days later. I regained full function within a week after periodic loss of feeling and control. It ended my 9 year football career and put an end to my dream of playing in college as a walk on. I went into a dark period of drinking and depression but came out of it. This movie was a solid reminder to me that I am fortunate and that anything is possible. I found myself holding back tears the entire time. I thought about his feelings of losing something that meant the world to him but setting a new goal to become passionate about. Chris was not a victim but a strong survivor in every sense of the word. What an inspiration, and what a story.

I was moved to tears multiple times in the best possible way! This film gave me so much hope to keep fighting in my own life!! My life has been changed because of Chris's story. I recommend this to everyone & know it will impact your life as well.