- This article is about the American football player, Jim Norton. There is also an article about the comedian, Jim Norton.
Jim Norton (born 1938) was an American college and professional football player. The University of Idaho product signed up in the American Football League as an original Houston Oiler in 1960. Although he intercepted only one pass in his first year, he went on to become the American Football Leagues all-time interception leader. During his first starting season, in 1961, he snared nine passes and punted with a 40.7 yard average. In a tight defensive duel in the AFL title game, his four booming punts helped Houston defeat the San Diego Chargers, 10-3.
In 1962, nursing a slim half-game lead in the Eastern Division in Week 12 of the season, Norton personally tormented Denver Broncos quarterback Frank Tripucka. Jim killed three Bronco drives with interceptions as the Oilers stole a 34-17 victory, eventually reaching the Championship Game for the third straight year. That thriller for the AFL crown was the league's longest game, a double-overtime contest won by the Dallas Texans, 20-17.
As a defensive back, Norton was a steady tackler with a nose for the football. His play earned him All-AFL honors for 1961, 62, 63, and again in 1967, when he scored the only touchdown of his career, returning an interception 56 yards. His number 43 was retired by the Oilers, acknowledging his club-record 45 career interceptions and 519 punts. Jim Norton is a member of the American Football League Hall of Fame.
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