The Seven Longest Yards

Our Love Story of Pushing the Limits While Leaning on Each Other

By: Chris Norton, Emily Norton, Mark Tabb - contributor, Tim Tebow

Narrated by: Jakob Lewis, Madison Lawrence, John Behrens - foreword

He was told he'd never walk again. She was losing hope that she'd ever feel whole again. This is their miraculous true story of defying the impossible.

"In my very first impression of Chris, I was blown away by his determination to stay positive, do the work, and trust that God had a bigger story in mind.... [T]his book is a master class in the power of perseverance." (Tim Tebow)

Quadriplegics simply do not walk again - yet millions watched as Chris Norton defied incredible odds and took step by impossible step across his graduation stage. With his fiancée, Emily, by his side, those unbelievable steps became the start of an extraordinary journey for them both. Told from both of their unique perspectives, this moving story invites you to find, as Chris and Emily have, that God can transform our lowest points into life's greatest gifts.

In a moment, Chris went from a talented college football player with a promising future to a quadriplegic with a three-percent chance of ever moving or feeling anything below his neck, much less walking again. Determined to prove the doctors wrong, he pushed himself through grueling, daily workouts to achieve his goal four years later: walking the stage to receive his college diploma with Emily's help, and to the world's astonished applause.

Meanwhile, Emily faced her own challenges as she sunk into a deep battle against anxiety and depression, despite her life's outward blessings. Day by day, decision by decision, Chris and Emily committed themselves to taking the extra step, trusting God, and leaning on the help of others. In a story of courageous faith and grit, this extraordinary couple's journey ultimately led them to tackle the seven longest yards - down the wedding aisle and into a new life together.

And what a new life it is: Chris and Emily have adopted five beautiful girls and welcomed foster children - 17 and counting! - into their home and hearts. Let this audiobook be your inspiration for defying your own impossible, and finding joy on the other side.

Witness the special moments in Chris and Emily's story with photos available in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Chris Norton and Emily Norton (P)2019 Zondervan

A story of faith, hope and love.

This is a must read or listen for everyone. When perseverance and tenacity are not enough to get through physical and mental challenges you need a growing relationship with God. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT

Amazing story and it can change your life

I loved this book! I am so glad that the Norton’s were courageous enough to share their story. I think that this will touch so many lives. I laughed, I cried, and did everything in between. Their story is so real and full of passion. You won’t regret getting this book.

Godly portrayal of what true love is when God is the center of it.

What an inspiring book! This is such a beautiful love story but an even better example of what a loving marriage with God at the center of it truly is. I’m a 33 year old man that geared up a few times because God overwhelmed my heart with His spirit and showed me a few flaws that I desperately need to correct. Thank you to Chris and Emily for your honest and heartfelt story. I love seeing that every story isn’t perfect and it’s ok to be imperfect. It defines us, it makes us better than we could have ever imagined. Thank you for allowing God to use you in ways that you never thought possible. This just proves what the Bible says,”With God, all things are possible.”

Inspirational and Encouraging

The Seven Longest Yards gave me such hope and inspired me to not just believe in God, but believe God for my life’s circumstances. Anyone who wants to be inspired and transformed should read this book.

God is amazing

I want to thank for beautiful story. Continue to do God’s work. God has truly blessed both of you with an amazing gift.

God is in the details

I loved the beautiful story or Chris and Emily. It was real, heart felt and thought provoking. There is truly more to this life than living and The Norton’s are amazing examples of those that open their eyes outside of their own personal problems and help others. Life is hard but a lot easier with God. Thank you for the reminder. I’m changed because I listened and opened my mind to change as I listened! Thank you!!!

Incredibly uplifting and inspiring

I’ve been following Emily and Chris on social media for a while now and I can’t emphasize enough how happy I am to have heard their story. They consistently had me going between being on the edge of my seat, tearing up, and smiling and laughing on my commutes. Highly recommend a listen.