MIAMI (WSVN) - Miami Dolphins player Kendrick Norton has been released from the hospital two weeks after a crash on the Dolphin Expressway caused his left arm to be amputated.
7News cameras captured the 22-year-old walking out of the Clark Diagnostic Treatment Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Thursday afternoon.
“I just want to give a big thank you, first of all to God for still being here,” he said.
Norton took the opportunity to commend the Dolphins and the staff at JMH.
“Jackson Medical Center, they did a great job, and next I want to thank the Miami Dolphins family. It’s crazy how much help they’ve been willing to give,” he said.
The defensive tackle had reached out to friends and fans on social media, Wednesday.
“Y’all stay tuned, stay tuned, I’ll be keeping y’all updated,” he said in a video posted to Instagram.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Norton was behind the wheel of a black 2017 Ford F-250 when he made an improper lane change along the westbound lanes near the Palmetto Expressway, July 4.
As a result, officials said, Norton crashed into a car and a concrete barrier wall.
His injuries were so severe that his left arm had to be amputated. He underwent several surgeries during the two weeks he spent at the hospital.
Norton said he looks forward to being fitted with a prosthetic arm and moving on with his life.
A spokesperson with the Dolphins said the team and the NFL are covering all medical expenses for Norton’s injuries.
Now that his NFL career has come to an end, it remains unknown what Norton’s source of income will be going forward.
His agent has set up a GoFundMe page for anyone who would like to help. As of Thursday evening, the site has raised more than $22,000.
“Everyone has been showing so much love, and I really appreciate it, and I just want to thank everyone and let everyone know how much I appreciate it,” said Norton. “They are a big part of why I am out this early, and I just wanted to give a big thank you to everyone.”
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