Moran Norris

Moran Norris is a Fullback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was born Torrance Moran Norris on June 16, 1978 in Houston, Texas. He stands 6'1 tall, weighs 250 pounds, and wears jersey number 44. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 4th round (115th overall) in the 2001 NFL Draft. He attended Kansas University where he was named to the scholar list, and graduated with dual degrees in communications and crime and delinquency. He attended James Madison high school in Houston, Texas. He currently lives in Houston with his wife, Tamara, and his daughter, London.

Norris was named to the 2009 USA Football/NFLPA "All fundamentals" Team, which is reserved for players who are not only fundamentally sound on the field, but also serve their community off the field. In 2005 he founded the Moran Norris Foundation, based out of Houston, which helps students become champions in athletics, education, and character.

In 2010 Moran Norris is expected to continue his role as the lead blocker and hole creator for All-Pro running back Frank Gore. Norris has solidified himself as an elite Fullback with great strength who can block any player in the league.http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Moran-Norris/cac41ba1-97c3-476a-8870-b5558899600b

Norris spent the first season and half on the New Orleans Saints, getting playing time on special teams primarily, with occasional clean-up duty in blow-out games. On September 17, 2002 Norris was waived by the Saints, only to be claimed by the Houston Texans the very next day. The very next year he would start 9 games, and make his mark as the lead blocker for Dominic Davis. In 2004 Norris would pave the way for Davis again, this time helping him set a Texans single season record with 1,188 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. In 2005 he would clear lanes for a Texans team that accumulated 1,816 total yards on the ground, and even forced 1 fumble on special teams.

Houston would waive Norris before the 2006 season started, and the 49ers would sign him just 2 weeks later. After sitting on the bench for the first two games of the season, Norris took over the starting role and paved the way for Frank Gore to have his best season to date. Gore would rush for 1,695 yards, leading the NFC and setting a 49ers single season record. Norris would set a personal record with TD receptions with 2 on the season.

In 2007 Norris again led the way for Frank Gore, playing in every game and setting numerous career highs in rushing attempts and rushing yards. 2008 saw a change in offensive philosophy for the 49ers, who brought on Coordinator Mike Martz, known for his down the field passing approach. Norris was waived by the 49ers in August of 2008, and signed by the Detroit Lions in October of the same year. He started 8 games for the Lions, and was released after the season.

In 2009, after firing Mike Martz, the 49ers re-signed Moran Norris to once again be the lead blocker for Frank Gore and spearhead the 49ers rushing attack. 2009 marked the year for personal bests for Norris, rushing 14 times for 41 yards and catching 7 passes. He scored his first career rushing touchdown in the final game of the season against the St Louis Rams.http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Moran-Norris/cac41ba1-97c3-476a-8870-b5558899600b