Dolphins DT Kendrick Norton has arm amputated after catastrophic car crash

Tragedy has struck as former University of Miami standout and current Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kendrick Norton’s career is likely over before it had a chance to begin. An overnight Thursday car accident found Norton hospitalized with what was described as a “catastrophic arm injury.” The injury was so severe that doctors amputated his left arm on the scene of the accident in order to remove him from the car.

Terrible news: #Dolphins DT Kendrick Norton was in a car accident last night and doctors amputated his arm, sources say. Other details are not yet available. But he is still at the hospital.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 4, 2019

As of now, according to NFL sources, the 22-year old Norton is still at Ryder’s Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital and is in critical condition. Fortunately, though Norton’s career in the NFL is almost certainly over, his life is not expected to be in danger.

His agent confirmed the news over Twitter at 11:07 A.M.

With sadness, I can confirm that Kendrick Norton was in a car accident last night and suffered multiple injuries, including the amputation of his arm. We ask that you continue to pray for him. His family also asks that the public respect Kendrick’s privacy.

— malki kawa (@malkikawa) July 4, 2019

Per the Miami Herald, a close friend of Norton’s family stated that the car was cut off and ended up flipping in a multiple car crash near the intersection of the Dolphin Expressway (State Road 836) and the Palmetto Expressway (State Road 826).

Local 10 coverage of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kendrick Norton whose arm was severed in an overnight rollover crash. #miamidolphins #KendrickNorton #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/iruFtYPX8K

— Saira Anwer (@SairaWPLG) July 4, 2019

Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Alex Camacho states that at approximately 1:18 A.M., Norton was driving a black 2017 Ford F250 when it rolled over onto its roof after colliding with a concrete barrier for unknown (or unconfirmed) reasons. The other car involved in the crash was a grey 2015 Maserati, which received only minor damage. Its driver, Jessie Pena, was not injured. There was, however, a second passenger in Norton’s truck, who was also injured in the crash and taken to the trauma center. Only Norton’s injuries were deemed critical, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue brought a surgeon onto the scene.

The Dolphins released a statement stating they are aware of the tragic incident.

We were made aware this morning of a serious car accident involving Kendrick Norton. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kendrick and his family during this time.

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 4, 2019

Norton is a former 2018 seventh-round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers, and Miami picked him up off of the Panthers practice squad on December 19 of last year. The 6-foot-3, 314 pound defensive lineman was set to compete for a spot on the Dolphins 53-man roster during the upcoming training camp after being inactive for the remainder of the 2018 season. But now, all that can be hoped for is that Norton will soon be released from the hospital, prepared to cope with the new trials ahead of him.

The U family is praying for Kendrick, his family and the medical professionals helping him this morning. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 https://t.co/uYgXANF5H0

— Manny Diaz (@Coach_MannyDiaz) July 4, 2019

As a part of the Miami Hurricanes, Norton received honorable mention All-ACC honors at the conclusion of the 2017 season. During his three-year career with the Hurricanes, he played in 37 games, starting 25 out of the 26 games he played as a sophomore and junior. He compiled a grand total of 45 tackles, 18 of them for a loss, and five sacks.

More details will be added as they’re revealed.