Miami Dolphins: Kendrick Norton leaving hospital after six surgeries, loss of left arm

Dolphins defensive lineman Kendrick Norton was expected to be released from Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital on Thursday.

His agent, Malki Kawa, tweeted early in the day: "Great news. @norton_kendrick is being released from the hospital today!"

Norton, a former University of Miami defensive tackle, had his left arm amputated following an auto accident in Miami-Dade County in the early morning hours of July 4. Norton, 22, lost his left arm after the pickup truck he was driving struck a concrete barrier on State Road 836 and flipped over. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, his Ford F-250 truck was going from the 836 Expressway westbound toward the northbound ramp to the 826 Expressway when his truck sideswiped a Maserati and then hit a concrete barrier and flipped over.

Norton, who has been cited in the accident by the FHP for an improper lane change and pulling out in front of a vehicle, has undergone six surgeries since the accident. The NFL's insurance policy will cover his medical expenses, but a GoFundMe account set up for him remains active.

Norton did an Instagram Live from his hospital bed on Wednesday and kept repeating he was feeling better and grateful for all the concern. "Appreciate all the prayers ... I'm getting better, getting better. ... I'll be out of the hospital soon. .. It is what it is. God has a plan."

He showed his bandaged arm when asked how it looked. He said he would keep people updated on his status via social media.

Norton also gave an interview to CBS 4 Miami last week.

"I am alive," he said. "To be here, I am alive. One thing keeps me going and that is that I am still able to be here. Seeing my family is so important. It is very good that I have this support system. It keeps me strong and it keeps me tall.

"But I realize that I will not be able to play for anyone. We are working past that you know. That reality is sinking in. I am alive and I am grateful. Now I want to organize a blood drive."

Dolphins coach Brian Flores and general manager Chris Grier have visited him at the hospital and Norton said someone from the organization has visited him every day since he arrived.

Miami begins training camp on Thursday and Norton's role with the team remains undecided.

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