Social media tributes to Kendrick Norton after tragic accident

Tributes poured in throughout social media following the tragic accident that cost former Miami Hurricanes and Dolphins defensive tackle, Kendrick Norton, his left arm.

Statements from Kendrick Norton‘s mother and agent were issued over the past few days confirming the loss of his left arm. It is expected, although the Miami Herald reported that it has not been made official, that Norton’s football career is over.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin had his arm amputated just short of his forearm as a child. The Herald reported that Norton was expected to have more surgery on the arm on Friday. Norton’s agent Malki Kawa reported that more information would be available at a later date.

Miami Dolphins beat reporter Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel reported that the amputation of Norton’s left arm occurred at the scene of the accident for him to be extricated from his overturned car. Norton suffered other injuries including lacerations to his face. Kawa was the first to confirm the accident.

Kawa has continued to post updates throughout the holiday weekend. Norton has kept his sense of humor according to Kawa. Kawa reported when Norton was awake and asked for prayers. Norton said according to Kawa “Kendrick says where his boys at? Fellas hit my FaceTime…”

The first of Norton’s former Miami Hurricanes teammates to speak with him via FaceTime appeared to be Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku.

The tributes poured in throughout the Miami Hurricanes family. The Herald spoke to Norton’s mother Tess Stephens who posted to Facebook about her son. Stephens thanked everyone for “all the love & support” that her family received following the Facebook post. The post asked for privacy.

"“KJ is a fighter!! And he will fight through this!..Yes he did lose his arm but he’s got his life! We ask for respect and privacy during this time for him to heal and grieve for what he has lost so that he can get up and fight for all the many blessings he still has and WILL have!”"

The strength of the Miami football alums has been lauded as the strongest in college football and the NFL. The last few days have verified that with messages throughout social media. The official Miami football twitter @CanesFootball posted several prayers and get well messages.

Norton signed with the Dolphins last December after being cut by the Carolina Panthers. He was expected to challenge for a spot on the Fins 53-man roster. He would have become the latest former Miami Hurricanes player to play for both the Fish and the Canes.

Several coaches, current Hurricanes and former teammates sent well wishes.

Kendrick Norton was recruited by Al Golden and played two seasons under Mark Richt. Norton left for the NFL following the 2017 season. He was selected in the seventh round by Carolina Panthers in the 2018 NFL Draft. Richt and Norton’s former Miami defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski shared their well wishes.

Miami’s Uncle Luke’s who penned the theme for the 30for30 The U and The U 2 stated he was praying for Norton.

More of Norton’s teammates paid tribute to the former mainstay of the interior of the Hurricanes defensive line. Recently graduated Miami defensive end, Demetrius Jackson tweeted on Thursday that he was on his way to see Norton.

Norton will continue his recovery at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center where he was taken following the accident according to ESPN. He has a long road ahead of him, but a lot of support behind him.