Luther College’s Chris Norton was named the winner of the 2011 America’s Choice Honor for Courage in Sports, as announced on CBS’ “The Early Show” Saturday morning.

This honor was the result of an eight-week Facebook voting competition that tallied nearly one million total votes.

On Sunday night, Nov. 13, Norton will be featured on Courage in Sports, a one-hour CBS special that recognizes individuals who have overcome monumental challenges to achieve greatness in the world of sports. The program is narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Ed Asner and will air at 5 p.m. ET on CBS Sports, depending on the NFL game in your market. (Check local listings for broadcast times in your area.)

Chris and his entire family were flown to New York and the CBS studios courtesy of CBS and Intersport, for the announcement made this morning.

Chris was nominated for this special honor by coach Mike Durnin. "Since the injury last year to both Chris and Eric LeGrand, I have followed their stories and when I read about Eric being nominated for the Courage in Sports Award, I believed it was a great opportunity to nominate Chris so even more people could hear another positive journey in the sports world," Durnin said. "The Courage in Sports Award is a great tribute to Chris Norton and his family and represents the strength of their faith, the strength of their family and friends, and the positive outlook and determination they model each and every day.  There is no doubt Chris and his family have made and continue to make a positive impact on the Norse football program and all who hear Chris' story."

After more than one year of extensive rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Chris is now able to feel movement throughout his entire body and recently stood unaided for three minutes (video).  He has been back on campus from the beginning of the year taking classes and continuing intense rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic and with therapists in Decorah, Iowa.

At Luther's first home game of the season, he served as an honorary captain. With the help of Norse captains Chris Reynolds, Obi Ukabiala, Kyle McGivney and Alex Tomesch, he stood for the national anthem and the coin toss. 

For more information on Courage In Sports, visit www.facebook.com/CourageInSports