Storm Norton

Storm Norton Bio

Storm Willis Norton (born May 16, 1994) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 310 pounds, Norton has built a career as a tall, agile tackle after going undrafted out of college in 2017. He currently wears jersey number 77 for Atlanta and has appeared in 67 career NFL games with 22 starts.

Over the course of his career, Norton has spent time with seven professional teams across the NFL and the XFL, working his way up from practice squad roles to becoming a dependable swing tackle and starter. His journeyman path has taken him through Detroit, Arizona, Minnesota, the Los Angeles Wildcats, the Los Angeles Chargers, the New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta.

Early Life and Background

Storm Willis Norton was born on May 16, 1994, in Toledo, Ohio. He grew up in the same working-class city where he would eventually develop into one of the most physically imposing football prospects in the region. From a young age, Norton stood out for his exceptional size, eventually growing to 6 feet 7 inches and around 310 pounds, a frame that would later translate naturally to the offensive tackle position.

Norton attended Whitmer High School in Toledo, where he developed as a football player and earned a reputation as a strong and athletic lineman. His high school performance drew the attention of college programs looking for tall, mobile offensive linemen, and he ultimately chose to remain close to home to continue his football career.

After completing his prep career at Whitmer, Norton enrolled at the University of Toledo, joining the Toledo Rockets football program. He spent his college years with the Rockets, growing into a more polished and physical player, and his development at the collegiate level set the stage for his eventual entry into professional football.

Path to Professional Football

At the University of Toledo, Norton played for the Toledo Rockets from 2012 through 2016, appearing in games along the offensive line and steadily improving as a pass protector and run blocker. By the time he reached his junior and senior seasons, he had become a consistent starter and one of the most reliable linemen in the Mid-American Conference.

His performance at Toledo was recognized with two consecutive First-team All-MAC honors in 2015 and 2016, cementing his status as one of the top offensive linemen in the conference during those years. Despite those accolades, Norton entered the 2017 NFL Draft as an undrafted prospect, largely due to the depth of the tackle class that year and questions about his overall athletic profile.

Rather than being discouraged by going undrafted, Norton signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2017, beginning a long and winding professional journey. That decision launched a career that would carry him across multiple teams and leagues, requiring perseverance, versatility, and a willingness to battle for every roster spot.

Storm Norton Career

Early Career (2017–2018)

Storm Norton’s first professional chapter was a study in perseverance. After signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in May 2017, he was waived early in the season but quickly signed to the team’s practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster briefly in September 2017 before being waived again and bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster over the following weeks.

Released by the Lions in late September 2017, Norton was signed to the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad in November 2017 but was released a few weeks later. He then joined the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad in December 2017, signed a reserve/future contract in January 2018, and continued to grind on the Vikings’ practice squad through the 2018 season. That offseason work paid off when he signed another reserve/future deal with Minnesota in January 2019.

Minnesota Vikings Era (2017–2019)

Norton’s longest early tenure came with the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent parts of three seasons largely on the practice squad. After being re-signed to a reserve/future contract in January 2019, he was waived in late August 2019 as the team shaped its final roster. Although he never cemented a long-term role in Minnesota, the experience allowed him to refine his technique and learn from a respected NFL coaching staff.

Los Angeles Wildcats Era (2020)

In 2020, Norton joined the short-lived XFL when he was selected by the Los Angeles Wildcats with the first overall pick in the second phase of the 2020 XFL draft. The move gave him his first real chance to be a featured offensive lineman, and he made the most of it. Pro Football Focus named Norton as the highest-rated offensive lineman during the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened XFL season, validating the work he had put in over the previous three years. His contract was terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.

Los Angeles Chargers Era (2020–2022)

Following the XFL shutdown, Norton signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on April 14, 2020, returning to the NFL. With the Chargers, he found the most stable roster spot of his career, spending three seasons with the organization and serving primarily as a reserve offensive tackle and depth piece along the offensive line. His time in Los Angeles allowed him to appear in regular-season games and contribute on special teams and as a backup blocker.

New Orleans Saints Era (2023)

On March 16, 2023, Norton signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, hoping to find a new opportunity in the NFC South. His time in New Orleans was brief, however, as he was released on August 29 and re-signed to the Saints’ practice squad. He remained there until Atlanta came calling late in the season.

Atlanta Falcons Era (2023–Present)

On September 26, 2023, Norton was signed by the Atlanta Falcons off the Saints’ practice squad, beginning the most productive stretch of his NFL career. He went on to make 14 appearances with three starts for Atlanta that season, becoming a regular presence on the offensive line and on special teams. In 2024, Norton played in all 17 games for the Falcons, including one start, further establishing himself as a trusted depth piece.

Driving Style and Strengths

As an offensive tackle, Norton relies on his length, leverage, and reach to handle speed rushers on the edge, with his 6-foot-7 frame allowing him to redirect taller pass rushers. He has developed into a reliable swing tackle capable of filling in on either side of the offensive line, and his experience in multiple systems has made him a flexible piece for coaching staffs. His background in zone-blocking schemes from his time at Toledo has also served him well in pass-heavy NFL offenses.

Notable Events and Milestones

One of the signature moments of Norton’s career came during the 2020 XFL season, when Pro Football Focus named him the top-rated offensive lineman in the league. He has also recorded 67 career NFL games played and 22 starts through the 2025 season, milestones that reflect his longevity as a former undrafted player.

Storm Norton Career Statistics

Storm Norton has compiled 67 career NFL games played with 22 starts through the 2025 season, working primarily as an offensive tackle and reserve lineman. While he has not earned major NFL individual awards, his selection as the highest-rated offensive lineman in the 2020 XFL season stands as a notable professional honor.

Toledo Rockets Highlights

During his time at the University of Toledo, Norton earned First-team All-MAC honors in both 2015 and 2016, making him a two-time all-conference selection. He appeared in games for the Rockets from 2012 through 2016, finishing his college career as one of the most experienced offensive linemen in program history.

Other Performances

Beyond the NFL, Norton was the first overall pick in the second phase of the 2020 XFL draft by the Los Angeles Wildcats and earned top-rated offensive lineman honors from Pro Football Focus during that season. He has also been a steady practice squad contributor for multiple NFL franchises, including Detroit, Arizona, Minnesota, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the New Orleans Saints.

Storm Norton Family

Family Background and Personal Life

Storm Willis Norton was raised in Toledo, Ohio, the same city where he attended Whitmer High School and later played college football for the Toledo Rockets. He grew up in a community known for its strong football tradition, and he has largely kept his family life private throughout his professional career.

Personal Life

Beyond his career as an offensive tackle, Norton has focused much of his public life on his work in the NFL. He is known to maintain a public presence through his official Instagram account, where he shares updates about his training and team activities.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season began with Norton firmly in the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line mix coming off a 17-game campaign in 2024. His role as a versatile swing tackle gave the Falcons flexibility along the offensive front heading into the new year, and he was expected to contribute as both a depth piece and a potential spot starter at either tackle position.

His season was interrupted on August 22, 2025, when it was announced that Norton would miss six to eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery. He was placed on injured reserve and worked his way back, with the team designating him to return on October 22, 2025. However, after his 21-day activation window closed on November 12, he reverted to season-ending injured reserve, ending his 2025 campaign.

Looking ahead, Norton remains under contract with the Atlanta Falcons, and the team has indicated continued faith in his ability to contribute along the offensive line. His experience, length, and durability make him a valuable depth piece, and he is expected to compete for a roster spot and a potential starting role once healthy.