Storm Willis Norton Bio
Storm Willis Norton is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Born on May 16, 1994, in Toledo, Ohio, Norton has built a journeyman career across multiple NFL franchises and spent time in the XFL, where he was selected with the first overall pick in the second phase of the league’s draft. Known for his imposing frame at 6 feet 7 inches, Norton has appeared in 67 NFL games with 22 starts throughout his professional career. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017 following an accomplished college career at the University of Toledo, where he earned first-team All-MAC honors in both 2015 and 2016.
Early Life and Background
Storm Norton grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where he attended Whitmer High School. His size and athletic ability were evident early on, setting the foundation for his future in football. After graduating from high school, Norton stayed close to home to continue his football career, choosing to play for the University of Toledo Rockets. His decision to remain in his home state allowed him to develop his skills while being close to family and familiar surroundings in the Midwest.
Path to Professional Football
Norton played for the Toledo Rockets from 2012 through 2016, developing into one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the Mid-American Conference. His performance on the field earned him recognition as a first-team All-MAC selection in both his junior and senior seasons. The accolades reflected his consistency and ability to control the line of scrimmage against conference opponents. His college career provided him with the experience and refinement needed to make the leap to professional football.
Despite his success at Toledo, Norton went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. His lack of draft selection did not diminish his confidence in his abilities, and he immediately pursued an opportunity to prove himself at the professional level.
Storm Willis Norton Career
Early Career (2017)
Norton signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2017, demonstrating the determination that would characterize his professional journey. His tenure with the Lions was brief but eventful, as he was waived and signed to the practice squad multiple times during the 2017 season. He was promoted to the active roster on September 9, 2017, but was waived just two days later and returned to the practice squad. Norton was released by the Lions on September 25, 2017, but re-signed to the practice squad a month later before being released again.
Following his time with the Lions, Norton joined the Arizona Cardinals on November 6, 2017. He was released by the Cardinals less than a month later on November 30, 2017. Norton finished the 2017 season by signing with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad on December 12, 2017, providing him with an opportunity to continue his development into the next year.
Minnesota Vikings (2017–2019)
Norton signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 29, 2018, securing a spot on the roster heading into his second professional season. During the 2018 season, he was waived by the Vikings on September 1 but was signed back to the practice squad the following day. Norton received a promotion to the active roster on October 27, 2018, where he had the opportunity to contribute on the field. He was waived again on November 3 and returned to the practice squad. He signed another reserve/future contract with Minnesota on January 2, 2019, indicating the team’s continued interest in his potential.
On August 31, 2019, Norton was waived by the Vikings, ending his tenure with the organization. Throughout his time with the Vikings, Norton served primarily as a depth player and practice squad member, continuing to hone his skills while awaiting his breakthrough opportunity.
Los Angeles Wildcats XFL Breakthrough (2020)
The 2020 season marked a significant turning point in Norton’s career when he was selected by the Los Angeles Wildcats with the first overall pick in the second phase of the XFL draft. Being chosen first overall validated his perseverance through years of bouncing between NFL rosters and practice squads. In the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened XFL season, Norton emerged as the league’s top offensive lineman, earning the highest rating from Pro Football Focus among all offensive linemen in the league.
Norton’s performance with the Wildcats showcased his ability to dominate at a high level when given consistent playing time. His contract was terminated when the XFL suspended operations on April 10, 2020, but his body of work during that season opened doors to new opportunities in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2020–2022)
Norton signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on April 14, 2020, following his standout performance in the XFL. This move represented his most sustained NFL opportunity to that point in his career. Over three seasons with the Chargers, Norton found more consistent playing time than he had experienced with any previous NFL team. He developed into a reliable member of the offensive line rotation, appearing in numerous games and earning starts along the offensive tackle position.
New Orleans Saints (2023)
On March 16, 2023, Norton signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. His time with the Saints was brief, as he was released on August 29, 2023. Norton was re-signed to the Saints practice squad following his release, maintaining his connection to the organization. While with the Saints, he continued to demonstrate the versatility and reliability that had characterized his career.
Atlanta Falcons (2023–Present)
Norton joined the Atlanta Falcons on September 26, 2023, signing off the Saints practice squad. In his first season with the Falcons, he appeared in 14 games with three starts, contributing to the team’s offensive line depth. The 2024 season saw Norton become a more integral part of the Falcons lineup, as he played in all 17 games while making one start.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 7 inches and 310 pounds, Norton possesses the ideal size for an NFL offensive tackle. His length allows him to effectively engage pass rushers and maintain separation at the edge of the pocket. Norton’s experience across multiple teams and his time in the XFL have provided him with versatility and adaptability in various offensive schemes. His consistent performance, particularly during his XFL season where he earned the highest PFF rating among offensive linemen, demonstrates his ability to control the line of scrimmage when given the opportunity.
Storm Willis Norton Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2017 through the 2024 season, Norton has established himself as a reliable depth player and occasional starter along the offensive line. His ability to contribute on multiple teams reflects his adaptability and consistent performance at the professional level.
Career Highlights
Norton’s most notable achievement came during his time with the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL, where he was selected first overall in the draft and earned the highest rating among offensive linemen in the league. In the NFL, his 2024 season with the Falcons represented one of his most productive years, as he appeared in all 17 games. His college career at Toledo produced two first-team All-MAC selections, establishing his credentials as a dominant player at the Group of 5 level before transitioning to professional football.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 67 | 22 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented significant challenges for Norton with the Atlanta Falcons. On August 22, 2025, it was announced that he would miss six to eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery. Norton was designated to return from injured reserve on October 22, 2025, offering hope for his return to the field. However, after his 21-day activation window closed on November 12, 2025, he reverted to the injured reserve list, effectively ending his 2025 season.
Norton’s injury forced him to the sidelines for the majority of the 2025 campaign, preventing him from building on his productive 2024 season. The ankle surgery and subsequent recovery placed a temporary obstacle in his career trajectory, but his designation to return from injured reserve indicated the team’s continued belief in his abilities. His resilience throughout his career, including his ability to bounce back from previous roster changes, suggests he will work to return to form in future seasons.