On Sunday, ESPN.com reported the Miami Dolphins waived Kendrick Norton with a non-football injury designation after he was involved in a car crash that forced first responders to amputate his arm on the scene in an effort to save his life.
By placing the defensive tackle on the reserve/non-football injury list, the team is able to pay the 22-year-old his full salary.
The University of Miami product underwent at least six surgeries before he was released from the hospital last week.
“I just want to give a big thank-you, first of all, to God for me still being here. Second of all, to Jackson Medical Center. They did a great job. They took great care of me while I was in here,” Norton told reporters outside the hospital. “Next, I would like to thank the Miami Dolphins family. They’ve been crazy with how much help they’ve been willing to give and, you know, they really didn’t have to.”
His medical bills were covered by insurance from the NFL and Dolphins. Despite losing a limb, Norton was still cited as at fault for the July 4 accident with an improper lane change, due to his pulling in front of another vehicle and making slight contact with it before crashing into a concrete barrier.
The hope is that Norton can receive a prosthetic arm as he transitions to life after football.
