Jerious Norwood

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Norwood played for the Atlanta Falcons from 2006 through 2007. He set a school record with 3,222 career rushing yards on 573 carries at Mississippi State. As a junior in 2004, he became the sixth player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. During his rookie season, he was part of a Falcons game where both the quarterback (Michael Vick) and a running back surpassed 100 rushing yards; the source states that the Falcons were 'the only NFL team to ever record two games in a franchise's history where both the quarterback and a running back on the same team surpassed the 100-yard mark in the same game.'

In Their Own Story

Norwood's NFL debut began with immediate impact. He rushed 10 times for 66 yards against the Carolina Panthers before recording his first reception against Tampa Bay. In Week 4 of his rookie season, he faced the Arizona Cardinals and ran for 106 yards on just six carries, including a then-team-record 78-yard touchdown run. This marked one of two career touchdown runs exceeding 70 yards in his first two years, making him the first player in NFL history to achieve this feat. Later that season against Washington, he recorded a career-high 107 rushing yards with a touchdown. His efficiency was unmatched; in 2006, his 6.4 yards per carry ranked second among all rookies and only behind teammate Michael Vick for the entire league.

Reader's Guide

His career rushing yards at Mississippi State are 3,222, not 3,212. He became the sixth player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season as a junior in 2004, not as a sophomore.

Did You Know?

• Norwood was the first player in NFL history to have his first two career touchdown runs each go 70+ yards.
• He was Mississippi's 'Mr. Football' and Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior in high school.
• He won the Conerly Award as a senior at Mississippi State in 2005.