Norris Thomas
Imagine being thirteen years old living in a homeless shelter with your family with dreams of a better life. Even bigger than that is the realization that your childhood dream of playing professional football seems to be dashed because nothing about your surroundings speaks to even wanting to dream anymore. However, Norris made a Decision the first night in that Milwaukee shelter that would eventually be the guiding force for his life. He also realized that if he could make it through this situation, his story could change lives and encourage others not to just survive, but to succeed with the mastery of their own mission. His first book titled, "In His Image..." Fatherless to Fatherhood, chronicles the journey as he overcame homelessness while chasing his NFL dream in search of the father he never knew.
Through hard work and perseverance, Norris became a two sport All-American and National Champion in both football and track respectively at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, Norris achieved his dream and signed a contract with the New York Football Giants and also played two seasons in the Canadian Football League. In 2012 Norris was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Wall of Fame.
In 1996 following his retirement from football, Norris was asked to speak at a school in Minnesota where a woman approached him and said she really enjoyed his talk. She then proceeded to ask him what his speaking fee was, keep in mind he was holding a coffee mug filled with candy as his compensation for speaking for that day. Today, he is still following through on a Decision that he made at the age of thirteen, traveling nationwide as motivational speaker. At the core of his seminars is sharing his dream, however over the years the message has expanded to developing the whole person while helping organizations achieve results. Norris shares the successful formula that he applied in his athletic career and into his professional career as a television personality and Real Estate Professional.
Norris believes that the speaking platform is an extension of the boardroom and field of competition. His passionate and dynamic delivery appeals to all walks of life as he inspires everyone in the room that wants to be successful to do as he did as a thirteen year old in a homeless shelter....
Make A Decision and Master the Human Experience!
Imagine being thirteen years old living in a homeless shelter with your family with dreams of a better life. Even bigger than that is the realization that your childhood dream of playing professional football seems to be dashed because nothing about your surroundings speaks to even wanting to dream anymore. However, Norris made a Decision the first night in that Milwaukee shelter that would eventually be the guiding force for his life. He also realized that if he could make it through this situation, his story could change lives and encourage others not to just survive, but to succeed with the mastery of their own mission. His first book titled, "In His Image..." Fatherless to Fatherhood, chronicles the journey as he overcame homelessness while chasing his NFL dream in search of the father he never knew.
Through hard work and perseverance, Norris became a two sport All-American and National Champion in both football and track respectively at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, Norris achieved his dream and signed a contract with the New York Football Giants and also played two seasons in the Canadian Football League. In 2012 Norris was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Wall of Fame.
In 1996 following his retirement from football, Norris was asked to speak at a school in Minnesota where a woman approached him and said she really enjoyed his talk. She then proceeded to ask him what his speaking fee was, keep in mind he was holding a coffee mug filled with candy as his compensation for speaking for that day. Today, he is still following through on a Decision that he made at the age of thirteen, traveling nationwide as motivational speaker. At the core of his seminars is sharing his dream, however over the years the message has expanded to developing the whole person while helping organizations achieve results. Norris shares the successful formula that he applied in his athletic career and into his professional career as a television personality and Real Estate Professional.
Norris believes that the speaking platform is an extension of the boardroom and field of competition. His passionate and dynamic delivery appeals to all walks of life as he inspires everyone in the room that wants to be successful to do as he did as a thirteen year old in a homeless shelter....
Make A Decision and Master the Human Experience!
"Your Why Defines Your Try"
My personal story of overcoming homelessness and the decision at age thirteen of wanting to share this message with the world. Learn of my journey from a small town in Alabama to professional football and beyond. This story is also the inspiration behind my book titled, "In His Image"...Fatherless to Fatherhood. Join me as we explore the most powerful word in the dictionary..."Dreamer."
"Five Characteristics of a Successful Decision"
Leadership and Performance
The Decision has been made that a desired Success is the goal for your organization. How will you know that everyone is on the same page and how will you recognize progress? Learn the Five Characteristics of a Successful Decision that effects bottom line Results!
- Sharpened Focus
- Clarity of Mission
- Discipline
- Increased Production
- Mastery........WINNING!
"Pride, Poise, & Pursuit"
Teamwork
Norris captained the 1992 Stagg Bowl Football Championship Team at The University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Pride, Poise, & Pursuit was the mantra that season as their head coach suffered a mid-season heart attack on their way to being #1. Pride, Poise, & Pursuit is an excellent starting point to set the tone for your organization or team to achieve maximum results.
- Pride- Understanding that you are part of something larger...
"Apple for Your Thoughts"
Educators
Learn the keys to navigating a successful school year while embracing your role in society to shape and mold the minds of our future. As an experienced administrator with the U.S. Department of Education and in the classroom, I will share some valuable tips on classroom management, jitters for newcomers, and stories with humor that will leave the audience energized to Change the World!
"Your EMCEE for Tonight!"
You plan the event and I will make it happen. From the age of six years old I have always had the microphone in my hand and I consider it a gift to be able to run my mouth. Allow me to make your event flow smoothly so that you can enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Your audience will be entertained as well as informed of the purpose of why they are supporting such a wonderful cause. "The Show Must Go On!"
